Towards Green Transportation: Design of an Electrically Powered Golf Cart System

The need for the design of a green and efficient golf cart utility vehicle to meet the demand for transportation in the National Parks and Sports Centres with significant reduction in carbon footprints necessitate this study. Existing golf cart systems have high carbon emission and braking problems, hence the need for a redesign. This study presents the design of a light weight electrically powered golf cart system with efficient braking characteristics and feasible reduction in the carbon footprints. Based on the service and functional requirements, calculations were carried out to determine some of the system’s parameters. The study proposes the use of aluminium and titanium alloy that boast of high strength to weight as a possible replacement to the conventional steel-based material in some parts of the system. This is to reduce the overall weight and the energy consumption of the golf cart system to make its use more environmentally friendly. The study presents design data for major parts of the golf cart system namely the suspension system, power and control systems, steering and braking systems, chassis amongst others. The design data may be useful for the prototyping and manufacturing of the golf cart system and may also be a positive drive in the quest to achieve green transportation.