As the green industry ramps up its transition from gas- to battery-powered landscape tools, municipal and state regulations already in place or being enacted across the country are increasing the pace of that transition.
In October, California became the first state in the nation to enact legislation calling for a ban on sales of new gas-powered chainsaws, leaf blowers, string trimmers, and mowers in an effort to curb emissions and improve air quality. Target date for new regulations to go into effect is Jan. 1, 2024. New York and Illinois are considering similar legislation.
The sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers — long a source of noise complaints — will be prohibited in Washington, D.C., beginning Jan. 1, 2022. Similar regulations are happening on the municipal level nationwide. To keep its partners updated on regulations already in place and new ones slated to go into effect, EGO — Ewing’s premier battery-powered tools supplier — created an interactive map featuring ordinance summaries and links to regulating bodies.
Keeping up with and complying with regulations can be difficult, but Ewing is here to help landscape professionals impacted now make their transitions go smoothly. We also can help those who are not yet impacted get a head start on planning.
According to the Fredonia Group, a division of marketresearch.com, the battery-powered lawn equipment sector is expected to outpace the overall market and increase its share of sales by 10% annually through 2024.
There are several reasons outside of regulations that landscape professionals are setting aside gas-powered tools in favor of battery-powered tools, including:
Making the transition requires a change in everyday practices. Landscape professionals who use battery-powered tools must ensure they have enough batteries to last the day, and/or a way to charge batteries during the day. New mobile charging technologies are becoming available and evolving fast to support this growing shift.
While battery-powered tools cost more up front because you are essentially paying for fuel at the time of purchase, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. The annual cost of gas-powered leaf blowers is at least twice that of battery-powered leaf blowers when you include maintenance and fuel expenses over a three- to five-year period.
To learn more about the importance of making the shift to battery-powered tools, visit electriclawninfo.org, a partnership of Shift2Electric, the American Lung Association, and Fresh Energy.
You don’t have to transition your tools all at once. Ewing branch professionals are available to help you make informed decisions on when and how to make the switch, and which of our multiple tool options will work best for you. Our EGO Power+ line provides the power of gas without compromise. The company’s powerful, 56V ARC Lithium batteries fit all tools in the line, eliminating the need to carry multiple battery types.
To get started on a plan that will allow you to transition your tools over time and ease the burden on your balance sheet, reach out today to schedule a product demonstration and consultation. For tips on budget planning and making the most of your money through Ewing’s ProAdvantage Program, check out our New Year, New Budget blog.