Looking for a snow blower? Some new electric models no longer need to be plugged in
Those looking for a snow blower to clear their driveways may want to consider an electric model.
Consumer Reports has been testing battery-powered snow blowers for the past six years and found electric models are improving.
“Battery-powered snow blowers are really nipping at the heels of comparably sized gas models, and they offer advantages that gas snow blowers can’t match,” said David Trezza, who oversees Consumer Reports tests.
Ryobi Canada demonstrated a Ryobi 40V 24-inch electric battery-operated snow blower for CTV News Toronto.
Becky Yan, Director of Marketing with Ryobi Canada, said that an electric battery-powered snow blower does not require the fuel, oil and maintenance of a gas-powered snow blower.
“With any gas products similar to your car, you have to change the spark plugs, change the oil, and do all sorts of maintenance with the engine. With this battery technology, there is zero maintenance except for keeping the batteries charged," Yan said.
The model that was demonstrated had a push-button start, was self-propelled, and was able to clear about 20 centimetres of snow from a driveway without too much effort.
Since the snow blower comes with four batteries, Ryobi says this model can run for about 40 minutes, which should be enough to clear an average-sized driveway.
“You really shouldn’t have an issue, but we have two extra battery slots, so you could swap out batteries if you do run out of power,” said Yan.
The Ryobi snow blower model tested sells for $2,198 plus taxes. Replacement batteries are $264 each and come with a three-year warranty.
Battery power may not be for everyone, but it's another option to help you clear the snow. As battery technology improves, Yan said it’s likely more home improvement tools will make the switch from gas power.
"Definitely snow blowers, lawn mowers, all of your bigger equipment that you need for home maintenance, will all be battery powered," Yan said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.