Despite being leaders in sustainable initiatives, some councils harbour concerns around rechargeable batteries and their commercial applications. Here, we debunk common myths and shed light on how electrification can enhance local government operations.
Myth 1: All batteries are equal
While lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in commercial applications, it’s crucial to understand the different types. Lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP) batteries and Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are optimal for commercial vehicles and equipment use.
Often employed in short-range electric vehicles, LFP batteries are known for their stability, enabling fast charge and discharge. LFPs also offer durability and high-power output relative to their size, which is good for acceleration.
Denser than LFP, NMC batteries have up to 50 per cent more ‘specific energy’ per kilogram. Although they’re not as quick to deliver power as LFP, these batteries have a much higher range. These batteries are increasingly popular in commercial equipment applications due to superior performance.
Myth 2: Special charging infrastructure is a must
Not all battery applications require costly upgrades to infrastructure. NMC battery applications, like EcoTeq’s full range of mowers, can be conveniently charged from a regular power point. While sweepers with LFP batteries may require three-phase power, councils often have this infrastructure in place for larger equipment like welders.
Myth 3: Battery-powered equipment won’t last a full day’s work
Concerns around battery changes or recharge breaks mid- shift are common, however, EcoTeq’s range is designed to power through a full shift.
Larger electric mowers, as well as EcoTeq’s range of compact sweepers, deliver a full day’s work on a single charge, with ample charge remaining to return to home base. The Nemesis electric mower however, will achieve four hours of cutting time, ideal for operators managing multiple landscape tasks across their day.
Myth 4: Diesel equipment has a longer lifespan
Lithium battery technology has evolved to such a point where batteries will now regularly outlast an internal combustion engine (ICE). LFP batteries, for example, will typically last around 3,000 deep discharge cycles, equivalent to over eleven years of efficient use.
Myth 5: Electric means less efficient
Battery-powered equipment efficiency goes beyond just batteries. For example, EcoTeq’s NMC lithium mowers are constructed with lightweight aircraft alloy which is known for its strength-to-weight ratio and durability. Mean Green, the manufacturer of EcoTeq’s mowers, has spent more than a decade trying and testing batteries and their 100% electric design to optimise their machines for maximal performance.
Myth 6: Batteries aren’t safe and will probably catch on fire
Safety is paramount when dealing with batteries, even so, incidents of thermal runaway are rare. EcoTeq and the manufacturers of their electric plant equipment have put a lot of time into risk mitigation, limiting the risks posed by excessive heat, direct sunlight, overcharging, failing to clean away debris after use, and tampering with the battery.
Myth 7: Batteries are bad for the planet
While batteries offer a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, their production and disposal do have environmental implications. To help minimise the need to extract raw materials and reduce landfill, lithium batteries like those used in EcoTeq’s range can undergo a rigorous recycling process with up to 95 per cent of materials recovered for reuse. It’s also important to consider that unlike ICE equipment, a battery-powered machine will produce zero carbon emissions during its lifetime of use.
EcoTeq is driving the charge for green fleet transition, as Australia’s leading supplier of commercial electric outdoor maintenance equipment.
