Battery-Powered Equipment is More Cost-Effective Than You Think, and Here’s Why

Change can be difficult. Sometimes it’s costly up front, but far less expensive and more cost-efficient in the long run. Such is the case with making the transition from gas- to battery-powered equipment.

We compared the cost of EGO’s Commercial 800 CFM Backpack Leaf Blower Kit with two 10Ah batteries and charger, and four additional 10Ah batteries to a similar gas-powered backpack blower. Our comparison assumed 15 hours of weekly run time and six daily battery charges. The results were eye-opening.

The gas-powered blower costs around $550 per unit, compared to $3,299 for the battery-powered EGO 800 CFM Backpack Leaf Blower Kit and four additional batteries (prices may vary depending on the market). That’s a big difference, right? It is, and that’s why we’ve been advising landscape contractors for years to prepare for the transition, especially in places where the use and/or sale of gas-powered equipment is or soon will be prohibited by law.

Breaking Down Long-Term Costs

Once you get past the upfront costs and compare how much each type of blower costs year over year in terms of fuel and maintenance, you get a very different picture. Here’s what we found in our comparison:

• Based on the 15-hour-per-week run time, we calculated annual fuel and maintenance costs for the EGO blower at $320, compared to $2,500 annually for the gas blower. Why? Battery-powered blowers require little more than electricity to recharge the batteries, while gas-powered blowers require fuel, oil changes, spark plugs, filter and carburetor changes, and other engine maintenance.
• Based on purchase price combined with fuel and maintenance costs, we calculated the average monthly cost for the EGO blower at $300 per month for the first year, compared to $254 per month for the gas blower, a difference of $46 per month. In year two and beyond, the monthly cost for the EGO blower plunges to just $26.66 per month, compared to $208 per month for the gas blower, a difference of $181.36. That’s a huge monthly savings.

And there’s even better news—as battery technology continues to improve, you will see higher outputs and longer run times, making battery-powered equipment even more cost-efficient in the long run.

What Else You Should Know When Considering Switching

For helpful information on switching from gas- to battery-powered equipment, check out our blog, Should I Make the Switch to Battery-Powered Equipment? Do I Have To? The article looks at questions you should ask as you prepare for the transition, and answers questions about run time and power, voltage, maintenance and battery health, and why you should consider making the switch even if it’s not yet required in your area. 

You also can visit your local Ewing and ask our friendly, knowledgeable staff for a demo to test it for yourself. 

Lean on Us for More Helpful Ideas

Need help figuring out how to best make the transition from gas- to battery-powered equipment? EGO has an app coming soon to help you determine what type and quantity of tools you need, and the number of watt hours required to complete your jobs. Learn more about the app here and check out this video in Spanish.

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