From Gasoline to Batteries: What’s Powering the Change?

The shift toward cordless/battery-operated models has been observed across all OPE categories tracked across Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart in recent years.

The shift from gasoline to battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) has been accelerated by a range of environmental, regulatory, and practical factors. Regulatory mandates, notably California’s 2024 ban on the sale of new small off-road gas engines (SORE), have accelerated industry-wide shifts toward electrification. Environmental concerns and noise ordinances are also motivating consumers and municipalities to seek quieter, cleaner alternatives to gas-powered tools.

Additionally, advancements in battery technology have significantly boosted performance, runtime, and user convenience, creating a strong market preference for cordless solutions.

Who’s Winning the Lawn Wars?: Meet the Current OPE Leaders

OpenBrand’s MarketShare data from 2021 to 2024 underscores a clear and sustained shift toward cordless OPE models across all major categories.

Ryobi consistently strengthened its position as the leading brand in mowers, handhelds, and snow removal, largely driven by its cordless portfolio, achieving over 15% total mower retail unit share in 2024 and dominating cordless walk-behind mowers with approximately 37% share.

Traditional gas-powered brands like Craftsman and Husqvarna saw significant declines in unit share, with Craftsman’s mower share notably falling from 19% in 2021 to 8% in 2024, reflecting broader market momentum away from gas.

Emerging players such as EGO, Cub Cadet, and Greenworks also captured share gains, signaling increased competition and consumer preference for battery-powered alternatives.

For market share leader breakdown by category, get the full report.

Battery Breakthroughs: Why Cordless Tools Compete and Win

Recent advancements in battery technology have dramatically increased performance, runtimes, and convenience, making cordless OPE highly competitive with traditional gas-powered tools. Modern battery platforms like Greenworks 60V, EGO 56V, and Ryobi 40V offer consumers fast-charging, high-power solutions and interchangeable battery systems that encourage loyalty and cross-category purchases.

Are Consumers Paying More for Less Noise?: Pricing & Promotional Trends

Cordless products were generally priced lower than gas products, but the price gap narrowed over time as premium cordless models gained popularity. 

Between 2021 and 2024, average prices for cordless chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers increased to align more closely with gas models. This alignment reflects consumers’ willingness to invest more upfront for the added benefits of reduced noise, simpler maintenance, and environmental advantages.

Promotional activity captured across major retailers in March 2025 reflects a highly competitive market environment as the industry prepares for the spring shopping season. 

The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Lowe’s are aggressively promoting battery-powered OPE products, focusing on price discounts, bundled tool and battery kits, and loyalty program offers.

For promotional breakdown by retailer, get the full report.

Challenges Ahead: Will Tariffs Slow the Electrification Wave?

The introduction of U.S. tariffs in 2025, targeting lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, and steel components, presents significant challenges for cordless equipment manufacturers. 

Brands heavily reliant on Asian manufacturing (e.g. EGO, Ryobi, Greenworks, Toro, and DeWalt) are particularly vulnerable to cost pressures. These tariffs, ranging from 20% to 25%, could increase production costs and potentially slow consumer adoption in price-sensitive categories, posing strategic challenges for brands and retailers. 

However, despite these disruptions, the overall momentum toward electrification is expected to continue.

Your Customers’ Future is Cordless: Here’s How to Prepare

Brands and retailers should proactively adapt to this cordless future by expanding their battery-powered assortments and investing in system-based platforms. 

Some manufacturers have already responded aggressively to market shifts. In 2023, Honda announced it would cease production of gas-powered lawn mowers, underscoring the industry’s pivot toward battery-powered equipment.⁶ Leading brands like EGO, Ryobi, Greenworks, Toro, Craftsman, and Milwaukee continue to expand their cordless offerings, improve battery performance, and promote ecosystem-based platforms.

Looking forward, analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% to 8% for battery-powered OPE through 2030.⁵ Battery products are expected to dominate the residential market within five to ten years, with commercial applications following soon after. Future innovation will likely focus on modular battery systems, improved diagnostics, and smart features.

Brands should continue to shift focus to emphasizing bundled promotions and loyalty-driven discounts that can attract consumers looking for value and ease of use. 

Finally, continuing to monitor and understand evolving market trends, regulatory shifts, and consumer preferences will be crucial to capitalizing effectively on this market transformation and maintaining a competitive advantage. If you’d like to see how OpenBrand can help your business get ahead of future shifts, reach out at openbrand.com/contact.