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
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.