The big news in the battery-powered garden tools sector may be the advancing tech that allows for higher voltage tools. Battery voltage for weed eaters seems to be going to infinity and beyond. The weed eater that won my informal whack-a-thon was an 80 volt machine. 80 volt weed eaters break new ground in the... Continue Reading →
Forbes: Review of the 2018 Zero FXS Electric Motorcycle
My experience with the ZF7.2 taught me that I could expect a reliable 60 miles per charge in mixed riding situations, and close to the full 100 when I rode around town exclusively. The issue of range might be enough to scare off some potential buyers, but it shouldn’t. The FXS isn’t a touring bike,... Continue Reading →
Los Angeles Times: Electric motorcycle is a magic carpet ride
For two months this year I used a Zero DSR electric motorcycle as my main commuter vehicle. The experience deepened my appreciation for battery-powered transportation, and my admiration for the Zero line. But it also taught me that electric bikes aren’t for every rider, or for every ride. Even a state-of-the-art bike like the DSR... Continue Reading →
Electrek: Are you killing your lithium batteries?
Micah Toll wrote a great article at Electrek on two factors that threaten the longevity of lithium-ion batteries. While most people understand that high temperatures can shorten a battery's life, probably a less recognized factor is high voltage. Much of Micah's article sources a discussion by Professor Jeff Dahn of Dalhousie University where it's claimed that... Continue Reading →
That EGO Power Self-Propelled Mower Is Finally Mine
For the past couple years I've had an obsession with battery-powered cordless tools. While I've bought a number of cordless power tools and even a cordless snow blower...what has been missing in my garage is an all-battery lawn mower. For the past couple years, I've had my eyes on the EGO Power+ 56V Lithium-Ion Self-Propelled Mower.... Continue Reading →
The Ryobi Electric Riding Lawnmower
A few weeks ago during my visit to the local Home Depot, I came across the Ryobi RM480E, an all-battery powered electric riding lawn mower. Ryobi claims that you'll get up to 2 hours of run time or cut up to 2 acres on a single charge. This quiet, smooth battery powered riding mower houses... Continue Reading →