Rolling on sunshine

MANATEE COUNTY — As green technologies continue to gain popularity through the nation, East County-based golf cart manufacturer American Pride Golf Cart Services is hoping to be a driving force behind solar vehicles locally.

On April 10, the company completed its first vehicle in a new series of solar-powered golf carts.

“There’s a need (for solar),” American Pride owner Paul Hayden said. “The low-speed vehicle market has blossomed, and with that comes a demand. You have to come up with something that’s cleaner and more efficient. We can manufacture here, and we can make a product that makes sense.”

Carts in the series are custom-made, but each is equipped with a solar panel roof as well as an iPod-compatible stereo unit, a 12-volt cell-phone charger and other features. A turnkey model costs $7,500.

Solar golf carts generate energy as they sit in the sun or while out driving, allowing them to travel greater distances and at higher speeds than traditional carts, Hayden said. The vehicles receive solar charges even on cloudy days and thus help preserve the vehicle’s battery life and reduce electrical costs for charging cycles. The carts typically earn drivers an additional 10 to 12 miles per day, he said.

For information, visit www.pridecarts.com.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].