What is the difference between a golf cart and a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)?
Most golf carts have a maximum speed of 12-14 mph, which is dependent on things like age, size, weight, and battery life. Same goes for the weight, weight varies from 800-1100 pounds. It is legal to drive golf cars on most roads with a top speed of 25 mph, but this also varies by neighborhood, town, and by state.
A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is battery-electric, can travel at a maximum speed of 25 mph and has a maximum loaded weight of 3,000 lbs. NEVs are federally approved under the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) classification for Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) and can be legally driven on most public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph.
What is the difference between a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) and a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)?
A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) and a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) are the same. They must go 25 mph or more, have headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a VIN number.
NEV is a federally approved street-legal classification that falls under the United States Department classification for low-speed vehicles. Some states classify it as NEV, and other states use the term “LSV” to recognize street-legal carts.
What is charging like for a NEV?
On average, the number of miles you can drive on one charge highly depends on terrain and payload. The Club Car CRU can drive 15-20 miles depending on terrain and payload. GEM Electric Vehicles can drive up to 98 miles on one charge, again depending on driving habits, payload, driving conditions, etc.
Depending on the brand and model, it can take 6-14 hours using a 110V to 120V electrical outlet to recharge a vehicle that’s completely dead.
Do NEVs/LSVs Have to Be Registered?
Laws are different for each state so you must abide by local laws.
According to the Colorado DMV, Low Speed Electric Vehicle as defined in Colorado Revised Statute 42-1-102(48.6) is a vehicle that:
- Is self-propelled utilizing electricity as its primary propulsion method,
- Has at least three wheels in contact with the ground,
- Does not use handlebars to steer, and
- Exhibits the manufacturer’s compliance with 49 CFR 565 or displays a seventeen-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR 565.
In Colorado, all Low-Speed Electric Vehicles shall be titled and registered as Tax Class C vehicles. All ownership, titling and registration requirements and taxes and fees that apply to Tax Class C vehicles as detailed in Title 42 of the Colorado Revised Statute shall apply.
Read more about LSVs in Colorado here.
Where to Buy a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)?
We sell Neighborhood Electric Vehicles here at Colorado Golf & Turf! We are partners with GEM Electric Vehicles and Club Car.
GEM sells all-electric vehicles for quick drives around the neighborhood, family trips to the beach, and nights on the town. They have 2-passenger, 4-passenger, 6-passenger, and XD models and are safe, sustainable, stylish, and cost-efficient.
The Club Car CRU is a 6-passenger car designed to inspire you to escape to your own backyard. It has an open-air design, flexible seating, a center table, 360-degree views, and room for the whole crew.
Club Car also has the Garia, which is the innovator of luxury golf and leisure cars. It unifies the convenience of a golf and leisure car with unrivalled attention to luxury, quality, and aesthetics. It is the world’s first and only true luxury golf and leisure car.
Check out our updated inventory on our website or visit our showroom from M-F 8am-5pm or Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
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