Electric lawn mower batteries are essential components of your outdoor power equipment. Understanding your battery's specifications can help you save money and extend the lifespan of your electric mower. However, terms like volts, amp-hours, and cold cranking amps (CCA) can be confusing without a background in physics or engineering.
At Mowrator, our team of engineers is dedicated to providing homeowners with the latest electric mower solutions and insights into how outdoor power batteries function. This guide aims to clarify the different types of batteries used in electric mowers, explain key battery terminology, and recommend the best battery options for your next lawn mower.
Key Takeaways
- Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the leading choices for modern lawn mowers.
- Lead-acid batteries are commonly used to start gas-powered mowers.
- Battery specifications such as voltage, capacity, and CCA indicate the power and charge capabilities of the battery.
What Types of Batteries are Used in Electric Lawn Mowers?
Cordless electric lawn mowers utilize various battery types, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are typically found in gas-powered mowers for starting engines. They are considered reliable and more affordable compared to lithium batteries, which are becoming increasingly popular. However, lead-acid batteries are heavier, have shorter life cycles, and require significant maintenance.
Research from the Technological Institute of the Philippines aim to revitalize lead-acid battery technology, due to its recyclability and potential as a renewable energy source, although practical applications for modern homeowners remain limited.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have largely replaced lead-acid batteries as the preferred option for lawn mowers. As of 2023, market research by the IMAC group indicates that the North American lithium-ion battery market has reached $18 billion and is expected to grow further. Lithium-ion batteries provide several benefits for homeowners:
- Charge life cycles ranging from 300 to 500, with some models exceeding 1000 charges.
- Lightweight construction (3 to 8g/Wh)
- Minimal maintenance requirements compared to lead-acid batteries
- Greater environmental sustainability
While lithium-ion batteries come with a higher initial cost than lead-acid options, they offer long-term savings due to reduced maintenance and fuel costs.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries represent a significant advancement in battery technology, offering notable improvements over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are increasingly favored for innovative lawn mowers, including Mowrator’s own S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD. On top of the exceptional longevity offered by LiFePO4, other benefits include:
- Charge Life Cycle: They provide between 1500 to 3000 charge cycles, which is up to six times longer than lead-acid batteries.
- Runtime: A runtime of approximately 2.25 hours.
- Lifespan: They can last up to 10 years.
- Safety: LiFePO4 batteries are generally considered safer than lithium-ion alternatives.
- Charge Efficiency: They can achieve a full charge in 2 hours or less.
- Power Consistency: These batteries deliver consistent power regardless of the charge level.
- Maintenance-Free: No maintenance is required.
- Weight: They are about 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries.
A PNA Nexus study indicates that widespread adoption of lithium iron phosphate batteries could lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions. Using electric lawn mowers equipped with LiFePO4 batteries can contribute to personal carbon savings and help mitigate your carbon footprint.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Although not commonly found in U.S. brands like Greenworks, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are used in some Japanese lawn care equipment. Over 85% of NiMH batteries are produced in Japan and offer a capacity similar to lithium-ion batteries, typically around 1000 charge cycles. However, lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries have largely supplanted NiMH due to their superior efficiency and lower self-discharge rates.
What are Lawn Mower Battery Specifications?
Electric mower battery specifications detail the components affecting performance and longevity, such as voltage, capacity, and cold cranking amps (CCA). Familiarity with these terms is beneficial for users.
Voltage
Voltage indicates the flow of electricity through the battery, influencing the power supplied to the mower's blades. The typical voltage ranges include:
- Below 40V: Suitable for small to medium residential lawns
- 40V to 60V: Ideal for commercial detailing and medium to large lawns
- 82V: Ideal for commercial and industrial applications
The most common voltage for lawn mower batteries is 12 volts, but you may also encounter 20V and even up to 80V models. The S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD operates on a 56V battery, comparable to many other high-powered electric mowers.
Capacity
Capacity measures how much current a battery can deliver over a span of 10 hours from a full charge. Modern electric lawn mowers typically have capacities ranging from 10 to 40Ah, with higher capacities providing longer runtimes between charges. For instance, an 18Ah lithium iron phosphate battery can yield about 135 minutes of runtime under ideal conditions.
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold cranking amps indicate the current (in amps) that a fully charged battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F. This measurement helps assess how well the battery will perform in cold weather, impacting its lifespan and compatibility with the mower. Most lawn mower batteries have a CCA rating between 100A and 300A, with a minimum recommended rating of 145A for riding mowers, depending on the model.
What Factors Affect Battery Life?
Several environmental factors can affect your battery’s lifespan, including:
- Usage Patterns
- Maintenance routine
- Environmental conditions
- Battery pack replacement
Should You Choose Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries for Your Lawn Mower?
Yes, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are likely the best choice for your lawn mower. Current market analyses project that the LiFePO4 market size is estimated to grow to $100 billion by 2036 and currently makes up around 30% of vehicle batteries — this innovative battery technology is expected to solidify its position in the market while providing long-term savings.
It is important to note that LiFePO4 batteries generally have a higher price point compared to lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. However, our team at Mowrator believes that these rechargeable batteries are the best battery for electric lawn mowers, which is why we use them in our range of remote control lawn mowers.
FAQs on Types of Batteries Used in Electric Lawn Mowers
How much does It Cost to Replace a Lawn Mower Battery?
The cost of replacing a lawn mower battery can range from $20 to $350, depending on the model. Lead-acid batteries, particularly used ones, tend to be less expensive, typically priced between $20 and $35. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries usually fall within the range of $120 to $350, influenced by factors such as cold cranking amps (CCA) and voltage.
How long does It Take to Charge a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) Battery?
Charging a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery typically takes between 90 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the charger used. For example, a 50A charger can fully charge a 100Ah battery in about 2 hours, while a 100A charger may take up to 5 hours. Specifically, Mowrator’s S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD can achieve a full charge in just 90 minutes when utilizing our Super Charger.
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