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Can You Rely on Your Electric Snow Blower Battery to Finish the Job?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Oct 16, 2024 7:00 AM ET

Many homeowners worry that an electric blower might not have the stamina to tackle heavy or wet snow. But the reality is more promising than most expect. Modern electric blowers and their batteries can handle pretty challenging conditions on a single charge. 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 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. 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-powered unit.

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 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 motor is 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 to make quick work of your driveway even with a foot of snow.
Heated Grips: Cold hands can make snow clearing miserable, treat yourself and 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.

Electric vs. Gas Mower

So, is an electric snow blower worth it? For many homeowners, the answer is yes. They 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 gets heavy snowfall, or if you have a long dirt driveway, it's understandable to be doubtful of battery blowers. 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 snow equipment that makes 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. But the power of electric machines is catching up and are worth keeping an eye on for future purchases.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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