As battery technology increases, the opportunities for battery-powered equipment continue to grow, especially in the Lawn & Garden and recreational products segments. The factors of reduced weight, increased charging capacity and lower cost are making battery-powered equipment more attractive to consumers and commercial users in these segments.
Lawn & Garden. The capacity of lithium-ion battery technology to meet the horsepower needs of the homeowner and the commercial landscaper has grown significantly in the last couple of years. Battery-powered lawn and garden equipment can now match the power of traditional gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. Some brands now have available 56V which is more than double what was the standard power available. Batteries now charge quicker, last longer, and can hold a charge indefinitely.
Home Depot pledged recently that 85% of the outdoor lawn equipment it sells will be battery-powered by 2028. The company claims the transition will prevent 2,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions from the exhaust pipes of residential lawn equipment from being dumped into the atmosphere.
On the commercial side, the initial high costs of equipment will soon pay for itself with the reduced maintenance and fuel costs. The Inflation Reduction Act includes a tax credit for electric vehicles where commercial operators can utilize a tax credit of 30% (maximum of $7,500) on each piece of battery-powered equipment that qualifies. To qualify, a piece of equipment needs to be any commercial-grade battery-powered lawn mower weighing less than 14,000 lbs. and has a minimum battery capacity of 7kh.
Powersports. Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the recreational Powersports segment are gaining momentum, offering numerous benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced emissions, and quieter operation. Electric dirt bikes and ATVs are providing instantaneous torque and eco-friendly performance. With advancements in battery technology and the charging infrastructure, the range and longevity of electric powersports vehicles continue to improve, paving the way for a greener future.
The high initial cost associated with e-power sports vehicles could potentially hinder the electric power sports market growth, however. While EV’s offer longer-term savings through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, their upfront purchase price is often higher compared to traditional gasoline-powered counterparts.
One of the key advantages of electric powertrains is their efficiency. E-motors convert energy into motion with higher efficiency than internal combustion engines, delivering more power to the wheels. Electric powersports vehicles also produce zero emissions, reducing the environmental impact and enabling riders to explore nature without the noise and fumes associated with gas-powered engines.
The e-batteries market has a huge potential to grow due to the rapid increase in incorporation of electronic systems in powersports vehicles and lawn and garden equipment. Lithium-ion batteries as compared to other batteries, can store very high voltage and charge per unit mass and unit volume. Lithium-ion batteries have low self-discharge, high energy density, fast charging speed, and long service life. PSR
Michael Aistrup is Senior Analyst at Power Systems Research
