The hum of gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers may soon be drowned out by the quieter whir of electric alternatives.
As consumers increasingly embrace battery-powered lawn and garden equipment, major retailers and traditional gas-powered brands are rapidly adapting their product lines and strategies to meet new expectations in performance, sustainability, and convenience.
Changing Market Dynamics
According to research from NielsenIQ, battery-powered tools now make up about one-third of the installed base in the U.S. market. Furthermore, 44% of surveyed consumers say they plan to buy battery-powered equipment in the future, overtaking the 35% still loyal to gas-powered models.
The U.S. outdoor power equipment market, worth $12.89 billion in 2023, is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.7% through 2030, driven in large part by this electrification trend.
While concerns about performance and cost previously hindered adoption, advances in lithium-ion battery technology have made battery-powered tools more reliable and competitive. Modern batteries offer longer run times, faster charging, and compatibility across a brand’s entire tool lineup.
Which Tools Are Going Electric Fastest?
Among outdoor equipment, lawn mowers have seen the most aggressive shift.
Market analysis from IMARC Group reports that the global electric lawn mower market reached $17.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $28.1 billion by 2033.
Walk-behind mowers, especially those with self-propelled features, are leading the surge due to their suitability for typical residential lawn sizes.
Leaf blowers and string trimmers are close behind, particularly in suburban and urban areas where noise ordinances and environmental regulations are spurring demand for quieter tools.
By contrast, chainsaws and riding mowers are slower to make the switch.
The need for sustained high torque in heavy-duty applications means many consumers—particularly professionals and rural users—still prefer gas-powered models.
Nevertheless, high-capacity electric chainsaws and electric riding mowers are emerging, albeit at premium price points.
Brand Shifts: Legacy Gas Meets New Electric
Established brands traditionally associated with gas-powered tools are not standing still.
Honda recently launched a line of battery-powered lawn mowers and zero-turn commercial units, signaling a long-term commitment to electrification. Husqvarna, known for its durable gas-powered tools, has expanded its portfolio with a suite of cordless electric models, targeting both pros and homeowners.
At the same time, dedicated electric-first brands are making inroads.
EGO has gained prominence with a wide array of high-voltage equipment, from push mowers to ride-ons, all powered by its interchangeable battery platform. Greenworks, another electric-only brand, has built strong partnerships with retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart, promoting itself as a performance-driven, eco-conscious alternative to legacy brands.
Echoes of the Cordless Power Tool Boom
The lawn care industry’s current transformation echoes the earlier shift seen in the power tool market. Over the past decade, cordless drills, saws, and sanders became dominant in both consumer and professional settings, driven by improvements in battery efficiency and the convenience of untethered operation.
Outdoor equipment is now experiencing the same arc. Consumers expect electric lawn tools to offer the same plug-and-play functionality and interchangeability that cordless power tools have made standard.
As a result, brands that already offer both types of tools—like DeWalt and Milwaukee—are gaining an advantage with their cross-compatible platforms.
Big-Box Retailers Lead the Charge
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart are at the forefront of the transition.
Home Depot has committed to making battery-powered tools account for 85% of its outdoor lawn equipment sales by 2028. Lowe’s, meanwhile, has reported strong growth in electric equipment sales and continues to expand its offerings in response to surging demand for low-maintenance and environmentally friendly products.
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is also making significant strides. In-store and online inventory now prominently features electric models from brands like Greenworks, including high-powered 60V self-propelled mowers and battery-powered string trimmers.
These moves reflect broader industry efforts to make electric tools more accessible to a mass market increasingly concerned with noise pollution, emissions, and the costs of gas and maintenance.
Hardware chains such as Ace Hardware and True Value are also responding, though on a smaller scale. Many are diversifying their inventory with cordless, rechargeable tools and offering product demos and customer education programs to help shoppers navigate the growing range of electric options.
Retailers Adapt with Education and Infrastructure
Beyond inventory, retailers are evolving how they market and support electric equipment. In-store displays increasingly highlight battery run-time, noise levels, and environmental benefits.
Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer digital guides and video tutorials on tool selection, maintenance, and recycling options for spent batteries.
Additionally, hardware chains and regional dealers are leveraging their customer service experience to offer personalized recommendations and after-sales support. While they may lack the pricing power of big-box stores, their expertise and ability to provide in-person service give them an edge among discerning customers.
Conclusion
The lawn and garden equipment industry is undergoing a pivotal transition, with electric models moving from niche alternatives to mainstream choices. Big-box retailers and traditional gas-powered brands are not only participating in the shift—they’re helping to accelerate it.
As technology improves and consumer values continue to evolve, electric lawn equipment is poised to become the new standard, reshaping both backyards and the retail shelves that serve them.
