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As you most likely know, Pacific has evaluated the developing battery landscape equipment and has a goal of transitioning as the technology becomes affordable to operate. As shown above, operating a backpack blower all day long, especially in the fall, might require up to four high-capacity batteries, bringing the total investment to $4,100 compared to $600 for a gas version. In addition, the strongest battery blower produces only 60–70% of the power of a typical commercial model. The cost to our customers to utilize battery blowers would be staggering, considering the capital cost and reduced productivity. See this article about Oregon State University facilities, which experimented with battery blowers and found them impractical to use: (Gas vs. Electric Leaf Blowers: Which Option Is More Sustainable?)
However, in addition to our team’s desire to transition based on our environmental protection commitment and interest from clients, we are also preparing for potential legislation. The City of Seattle is phasing out the use of gas-powered blowers (Plan to Phase Out Harmful Gasoline-Fueled Leaf Blowers in Seattle), and a proposal was introduced in the Washington legislature to ban all small gas engine equipment below 25 hp (Washington Bill Would Enact California’s Gas Leaf Blower, Lawn Mower Ban). Although this proposal did not pass, it was similar to a law passed in California that took effect on January 1, 2024 (CARB Approves Updated Regulations Requiring Most New Small Off-Road Engines to Be Zero-Emission in 2024).
This year, we have outfitted new trailers to hold our battery equipment and chargers. We are working to learn how to most efficiently and cost-effectively outfit our teams with battery equipment.
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