A method for maintaining a state of charge in a gas powered golf car, wherein the method comprises via an integrated starter control unit: continuously monitoring a state of charge of the battery; and continuously controlling operation of a generator based on the continuously monitored state of charge of the battery to thereby continuously maintain the state of charge of the battery within a desired range. A method for remotely controlling the operation of a gas powered golf car, wherein the method comprises using geospatial position data to monitor a location of the golf car and determine when the golf car is near or within a geofenced area, and then instructing an engine control unit to modify operation of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a predetermined operation profile specific to the geofenced area.