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Many homeowners worry that an electric snow blower might not have the stamina to tackle heavy or wet snow removal. But the reality is more promising than most expect.
"The lifespan of a battery-powered snow blower really depends on two things: who made it and how it’s taken care of," shared Wes Bollingmo, Channel & Product Support Manager at Toro. "Every manufacturer has a different approach to how they make and test their battery-powered equipment."
For most suburban homes, a good-quality battery-powered snow blower can clear your driveway, sidewalks, and even a backyard path before it needs to be recharged.
The Average Battery Life is Better Than You Think
A common presumption, based on older technology, is that battery-powered models won’t last long enough to clear a full driveway, let alone heavy snow. But battery-powered tools in general have come a long way in recent years.
Many electric models now offer up to 60 minutes of runtime which is more than enough to clear the paved surfaces around a residential home.
Advances in battery technology mean that rapid chargers and dual-battery systems are becoming the norm which allows you to swap in a fresh battery without losing momentum. For homeowners with moderate snowfall or smaller properties, an electric snowblower’s battery can handle the job with ease.
Bollingmo adds, "Like most pieces of equipment, how well the owner maintains it throughout the year will determine how long it keeps working."
Some still may find it hard to believe that an electric motor can contend with their heavy snowfall, but they can and will continue to improve, all with a cleaner, quieter, and more convenient alternative to gas snow blowers.
Features to Consider
When choosing the best electric snow blower, look out for these features to get the most out of your investment:
- High-Quality Lithium-Ion Battery: Look for cordless snow blowers with long-lasting, fast-charging lithium-ion battery packs for maximum runtime.
- Dual-Battery Capability: Some models have extra batteries, extending the time you can work without stopping. Be sure to check the battery charge time for your model.
- Brushless Motor: A brushless DC motor has more torque and has a longer lifespan compared to traditional motors. Relative to gas blowers they emit no engine noise.
- Clearing Width and Clearing Depth: Opt for a snow thrower model that offers a wider clearing path and deeper snow intake height to make quick work of your driveway even with a foot of snow.
- Heated Grips: Cold hands can make snow clearing miserable, treat yourself to a set, or consider models with heated grips for extra comfort.
- LED Headlights: If you’re clearing snow early in the morning or late in the evening, bright LED headlights help improve visibility.
- Durable Construction: You’ll want something built to handle tough conditions. Models with heavy-duty plastic or steel auger blades last longer.
- Snow chute control. What kind of discharge chute type do you prefer? Electric powered button or joystick turning chute or a manual rear crank chute control?
Electric vs. Gas Blower
So, is an electric snow blower worth it? For many homeowners, the answer is yes. These battery operated tools offer instant power, can handle moderate snow loads, have a nonexistent noise level, and lend themselves to compact storage space.
That being said, if you live in an area that has heavy snow conditions, or if you have a long dirt driveway, it's understandable to be doubtful of battery electric models. But imagine that instead of storing gasoline and doing oil changes, you just need to grab the battery charger. Instead of struggling with heavy outdoor power equipment on icy conditions, you have lightweight equipment that makes snow removal tasks on uneven surfaces a nonissue. And if you're just trying to clear a few inches of snow off a deck, it's so nice to not start up a noisy gas engine or have to haul out the snow shovel.
The fact is that right now gas-powered snow blowers are still more powerful and can handle heavier snow and deeper snow depth. But the peak power of electric machines is catching up and are worth keeping an eye on for future purchases.
FAQ
Can I use my electric snow blower on deep, heavy snow?
An electric snow blower can usually handle 6-12 inches of snow without a problem. If it's deeper, you might need to make multiple passes or tackle it in layers. The key to any depth or weight is to let the auger do the work at its own pace.
How long does it take to recharge the battery?
Battery charging times vary by model, but most lithium-ion batteries are fully charged in just 1-2 hours. Some rapid chargers work in as little as 30 minutes. Whenever we're working with battery-powered tools, we like to have a backup battery on the charger at all times. A dual-battery system is the best way to suppress any concern with the battery dying mid-job.
What's the real-world clearing area on a single charge?
Clearing 1,500-2,500 square feet on a full charge is pretty normal, but it depends on a few factors like:
- Snow depth and moisture content
- Temperature (believe it or not, the difference between 28 degrees and -2 degrees plays a role in the battery performance)
- The speed at which you're propelling the snow blower
- Your specific model's battery capacity
Do electric snow blowers work in extremely cold temperatures?
Yes, but battery performance drops in sub-zero weather. You might see a 20-30% reduction in runtime when temperatures fall below 10°F. Store your batteries indoors when not in use and avoid leaving them in the cold overnight to maintain better performance.
