Navitas has been a well-known name in the golf cart industry for many years, and for good reason. Navitas has been creating quality aftermarket parts for all EV enthusiasts, but especially golf carts.
In this guide we give you detailed information on all things Navitas speed controllers. We’ll break down the various options for your custom golf cart and how much it’s going to dig into your pocket. Let’s get to it.
Who is Navitas?
Navitas is one of the leading companies in manufacturing high performance controllers for EV’s and stationary machinery.
Navitas has been in business since 2013 and is based out of Waterloo, Ontario. Their business strives to create the best aftermarket speed controllers for electric carts.
Their products receive excellent reviews and are affordable.
Before we discuss the best Navitas controllers for your golf cart, let’s learn a little bit more about what a speed controller is.
What is a Speed Controller?
For those who are new to golf carts, a speed controller, as the name suggests, is a device that helps control the speed of an electric vehicle. It may not seem like much, but it’s actually one of the most important parts you can install on a golf cart.
Let’s say you hook up that old DC motor without a speed controller…every time you hit the gas pedal, you would be getting full power from your battery. This would cause neck-breaking take-offs, which sounds like fun on a track, but in a neighborhood, not so much.
If you have an AC motor, or a DC Brushless, then you won’t be getting too far without a speed controller. In these motors, electrical signals are firing back and forth which can reverse at any time.
This is where your speed controller comes in. All of these signals must be timed properly in order for your golf cart to move. The speed controller helps to regulate the reversing AC signals, allowing the motors rotation to keep in time.
The speed controller meters your voltage and current based on the input, whether that be a throttle, or gas pedal. Now you can control the acceleration and deceleration of your golf cart.
Other Important Functions of the Speed Controller
We know that the speed controller helps to control the vehicle speed, in addition to that, the speed controller is actually doing a lot more behind the scenes.
No matter what motor you’re using (AC or DC), the speed controller can help you achieve the following…
Speed Boost: Changing your controller typically adds 4-5 mph to your golf cart’s top speed.
Motor Current Limiter: This can help prevent damage to your motor or controller when the vehicle stalls or overloads.
Battery Current Limiter: This can help to protect your battery from discharging. In addition, it also decreases battery current as it’s depleting, which can prevent damage to the cells.
Throttle Mapping: This allows you to change your throttle response time. Maybe you want fine control at slower speeds, and open control at higher speeds.
Acceleration: This will depend on how hard you press the gas pedal. The faster you press the pedal the faster your acceleration, the slower you press the pedal, the finer the acceleration.
Thermal Protection: This makes sure that the controller doesn’t overheat. This will also monitor the charge and health of your batteries.
Knowing Which Controller to Choose
There are quite a few options to choose from when deciding on a controller for your custom golf cart. The first thing you should do is to look for controllers specifically made for your golf cart, for example, EZ-GO, Club Car, or Yamaha.
The good news is, Navitas makes controllers for every type of golf cart, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right one for you.
The next thing you’ll want to do is figure out if you need a controller for an AC system or a DC system. Again, Navitas makes controller systems for each type of current setup, so don’t panic!
We made it easy for you. Below we listed the best options for speed controllers by golf cart brand.
Club Car Controllers
#1. Navitas 440-Amp 36/48-Volt Series Controller
The Navitas 440-Amp replacement series controller features a pre-programmed Series controller and model specific module for true plug and play operation. This is one of our favorite and most reliable controllers for Club Car.
No need for the “on the fly” programmer to change to series operation. You can still add this as an option for improved acceleration or top speed control.
Controller Features:
Compatible with a 3-Spade connector harness for plug-and-play installation.
Solid state models:
- 1995-Up 48-Volt
- 1990-1994 36-Volt
This replaces the stock controller, and plugs directly into your carts existing wiring harness
#2. Transport-Utility Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Controller
The Navitas 600-Amp high-performance replacement controller is one of the most powerful controllers that they make. This controller is best for those with custom golf carts meant for heavy loads or multiple passengers.
This controller will plug directly into your old controller harness, so installation is super easy.
Models:
- Club Car Transport-Utility 48-Volt 2006-Up
- 24-Pin harness for plug and play installation
This is also equipped for the optional On-The-Fly Programmer, which makes adjusting your speed, acceleration, and braking all on the move.
Best Price: $736
#3. Club Car DS / Precedent Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Controller
This high performance controller is perfect for those looking to add a little more power to their 48 volt golf cart system.
Works with:
- Club Car DS & Precedent with IQ/Excel i2 48-Volt
- 2001-Up DS
- Precedent 2004-2016 models
Direct replacement of stock controller, and plugs directly into your cart’s existing wiring harness, making this a simple DIY.
Yamaha Controllers
#1. G19 / 22 Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Controller
The Navitas 600-Amp high-performance controller is a replacement, which comes equipped with a wiring harness made specifically for your golf cart.
Features:
- Comes with Yamaha G19 & G22 48-Volt harness for plug and play installation.
Works with models:
- 1996-2002 G19
- 2003-2007 G22
Direct replacement of stock controller, plugs directly into your cart’s existing wiring harness, making installation a breeze.
#2. G29 / Drive Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Controller
This 600-Amp Navitas replacement controller is a high-performance controller and comes with an adaptor harness specifically for your cart model.
Features:
Comes with Yamaha harness for plug and play installation.
Comes compatible with their On-The-Fly Programmer, which is sold separately. This device allows you to make adjustments to your torque, braking, and acceleration on the fly.
Models:
- G29/Drive 48-Volt 2008-Up
This is a direct replacement of the stock controller, and plugs directly into your cart’s existing wiring harness. This, like all the others mentioned, is super simple to install on your own.
E-Z-GO Controllers
#1. MPT-Utility Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Controller
This 600-Amp Navitas replacement controller is a high-performance controller and comes with an adaptor harness specifically for your cart model.
Works with models:
- E-Z-GO 48-Volt shunt system MPT-Utility 2010-Up
- Equipped with a harness for plug and play installation
This is a direct replacement of your stock controller, and plugs directly into your cart’s existing wiring harness, making installation simple.
You can also purchase the On-The-Fly Programmer separately, that way you can make adjustments to your system on the go.
#2. TXT PDS System Navitas 600-Amp 36-Volt Controller
This 600-Amp Navitas replacement controller is a high-performance controller and comes with an adaptor harness specifically for your cart model.
Works with models:
- E-Z-GO TXT 36-Volt PDS Shunt System
- Equipped with harness for plug and play installation (Tow/Run switch under seat).
This is a direct replacement of your stock controller, and plugs directly into your cart’s original wiring harness.
Compatible with the Navitas On-The-Fly Programmer, making it super simple to change all of your system settings while you’re moving down the road.
#3. TXT Navitas 600-Amp 48-Volt Shunt Controller
This 600-Amp Navitas replacement controller is a high-performance controller and comes with an adaptor harness specifically for your cart model.
Works with models:
- E-Z-GO TXT 48-Volt shunt system 2010-Up
- Equipped with harness for plug and play installation.
This is a replacement of your golf carts stock controller, and plugs directly into your existing wire harness. Like all the other Navitas controller models, this is very easy to self-install.
Also compatible with the On-The-Fly Programmer.
On-The-Fly Programmer
Sold separately from Navitas is their On-The-Fly Programmer, which allows you to make adjustments to braking, torque, and even acceleration, all while you’re moving down the road.
This feature is definitely a cool, and recommended upgrade for those looking to add a little extra to their custom golf cart.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Navitas has a variety of controllers to choose from, no matter what kind of golf cart you have.
In this article we explained to you the function of a speed controller, and how an upgrade could improve the quality of your custom golf cart.
We also broke down some of the most important aspects of speed controllers, and did our best to explain the importance of the speed controller in your golf cart.
Lastly, we listed some of our favorite controllers Navitas has to offer all by golf cart brand, making your life a lot easier.
I hope this article has helped you to feel confident in deciding on the right speed controller for your custom golf cart. If you have any questions regarding Navitas Speed Controllers, or have any personal experience with Navitas controllers, let us know!
