First Name | Kristine |
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Last Name | Henderson |
Email Address | kristine@Gardenworks-Inc.com |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Please delay |
Comment | I urge you to delay implementation of this action to at least 2030. As the Maintenance Department Manager for a licensed landscape contractor and small business, early (2024) implementation will cause economic hardship and potential loss of business. While these efforts are to be applauded, current replacement of small gas engines with battery power is not reliably viable with current technology and processes within the landscape industry. Critique of this technology is as follows: - charge capacity too small to run all day for large projects - discharge rate anxiety by professional users (draw down time highly variable depending upon use and battery size) - reduced battery lifespans due to constant or frequent use and constant recharging - insufficient torque/power (i.e. more power = less run time) - high price point to purchase - high price point for replacement batteries - no to little standardization in battery design - issues with California's electrical grid including PSPS - difficulty and or extra costs associated with the need for charging stations or carrying multiple extra batteries during workday - supply chain issue challenges for foreseeable future - repair issues - often more economical to throw away than repair In general, the landscape industry is beginning to use some battery technologies such as portable power tools (drills, saws, chainsaws, small lawn mowers). The challenges listed above will lessen over the next 10 years as the technology improves and price points reduce. A two-year plan is too soon to avoid the issues above. If battery technology was equal to small gas engines in power and price, I can assure you, many landscape contractors would begin to make the switch. PLEASE consider a delay until 2030. Sincerely, Kristine |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2021-11-19 11:53:01 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.