Electric Equipment in Winter: Range, Charging, and Flexibility in Real-World Conditions
As winter approaches, one question often comes up when discussing electrical equipment: What happens when temperatures drop?
Cold weather does indeed affect battery life. But for businesses that use electric equipment on a daily basis, battery life is only part of the equation. Mobile charging solutions, battery management, and the ability to combine electric and fuel-powered equipment now make it possible to tailor operations to the specific needs of each business.
At Kubota Montreal, the arrival of Greenworks Commercial doesn’t mean you have to choose between electric and diesel. The two technologies can complement each other, depending on the work to be done, operating conditions, and the needs of each fleet.
In this post, we’ll look at the key factors to consider when integrating electric vehicles into your operations, even as temperatures begin to drop.
In Summary
- Winter affects battery life, but this can be planned for.
- Mobile charging solutions allow batteries to be recharged directly in the field.
- Extra batteries and charging systems allow operations to continue without necessarily having to return to a power outlet.
- Electric and fuel-powered equipment can be used in tandem.
- Centralizing equipment, parts, and service with a single supplier can simplify fleet management.
Cold Weather Affects Battery Range. But By How Much ?
This is probably one of the first questions contractors ask themselves when considering electric equipment.
Yes, cold weather does affect a battery’s runtime. According to Jesse Swennen, a Greenworks Commercial specialist at Kubota Montreal:
You should expect a reduction of up to about 25 to 30 percent under certain winter conditions.
However, this does not mean that the equipment becomes unusable in winter.
For many applications, this runtime remains sufficient for a normal workday. You simply need to take operating conditions into account and plan your energy needs accordingly.
And most importantly, technology has advanced. New models are designed to further reduce the impact of cold weather on battery life.
The goal, therefore, is not to claim that cold weather has no effect on batteries. Rather, it is about understanding this effect and planning the right solutions.
A Drained Battery Doesn’t Necessarily Mean The Day Is Over
One common misconception about power tools is that you must return to a building to recharge a battery.
That’s not the case.
Today, there are various solutions that allow you to recharge batteries directly in the field. Greenworks Commercial, for example, offers mobile charging systems such as the Energy Cube, which can be used to recharge multiple batteries throughout the day.
The principle is simple: rather than waiting for a battery to be fully charged before resuming work, a team can use multiple batteries and recharge them in rotation.
A worker can use one battery while another is charging. When the first one runs out, it is replaced, and work continues.
For some 4 Ah batteries used in hand tools, the recharge time can be as short as 20 to 25 minutes.
This approach therefore allows batteries to be viewed as an integral part of managing the workday, rather than as a constraint that forces downtime.
Mobile Charging: When the Vehicle Becomes a Source of Energy
Charging solutions aren’t limited to systems designed specifically for electrical equipment.
“I even have a customer in Sherbrooke who uses his Ford Lightning to to recharge his batteries during the day.”, says Jesse.
In this situation, the electric vehicle essentially becomes a mobile power source. The tools’ batteries can be recharged while the team continues its work.
This type of setup changes the way we think about range. It’s no longer just a matter of asking how many hours a battery can last, but of considering how batteries can be moved around and recharged throughout the day.
Electric Or Diesel? Why Choose When the Two Can Complement Each Other?
Electric and diesel are often presented as two opposing technologies.
In real life, the reality is much more nuanced.
Certain applications are particularly well-suited to electric power. Hand tools, for example, benefit from not requiring fuel, reduced maintenance, and the ability to share batteries across different pieces of equipment.
For other tasks, particularly when equipment must operate for very long periods without interruption, fuel-powered machines may remain a suitable solution, especially for certain demanding applications.
At Kubota Montreal, the goal is not to systematically replace diesel or gasoline-powered equipment. Rather, it is to offer a variety of solutions and allow each business to choose the technology that best suits its needs.
A business can thus keep some fuel-powered equipment while gradually incorporating electric equipment for other tasks.
This complementary approach allows businesses to evolve at their own pace.
A Fleet That’s Easier To Manage
The arrival of Greenworks Commercial at Kubota Montreal also brings another benefit: the ability to further centralize equipment needs.
For some customers, this means they can find gas-powered equipment, electric equipment, hand tools, mowers, and other solutions tailored to their operations all in one place.
But centralization isn’t just about purchasing.
It can also simplify access to parts, service, and maintenance. Instead of having to work with multiple suppliers for different types of equipment, a company can consolidate a larger portion of its needs with a single partner.
For fleet managers, this approach can significantly simplify day-to-day operations.
“Many customers view the arrival of electric equipment not as a complete replacement for their fleet, but as a new option that complements the machines they already use.” , Jesse told us.
Winter Requires Planning, Not a Change in Technology
As with any professional equipment, operating conditions must be taken into account.
In winter, this means, in particular, considering the temperature, available runtime, duration of the job, and recharging options.
But today’s solutions go far beyond simply having a nearby electrical outlet.
Spare batteries, fast charging, the Energy Cube, mobile charging, and electric vehicles that can serve as power sources: several options can be combined to meet a team’s needs.
And when electric power isn’t suitable for a given application, fuel-powered equipment remains available.
It is this flexibility that makes it possible to approach electrification in a gradual and realistic way.
A Transition Tailored to the Realities of Each Company
The electrification of commercial equipment will not happen the same way for every company.
Some will start with hand tools. Others will incorporate an electric snowblower or utility vehicle. Some will maintain a mixed fleet for several years.
There isn’t necessarily just one right way to do it.
Rather, the key is to understand your needs, working conditions, and operational constraints in order to determine where electric equipment can truly add value.
And as technologies continue to evolve, the possibilities should continue to expand.
Do you have any questions about electric equipment or charging?
Talk to Jesse Swennen, Greenworks Commercial specialist at Kubota Montreal.
He can help you evaluate the different options based on your equipment, operations, and on-site needs.
Learn more about Greenworks Commercial products.
About Kubota Montreal
In business since 1986, Kubota Montreal has been supporting businesses and individuals with their equipment, parts, and service needs.
With the addition of Greenworks Commercial to its offerings, Kubota Montreal can now provide electric solutions to complement its line of traditional equipment.
The goal remains the same: to understand each customer’s unique situation and help them choose the equipment that truly meets their needs.
