In the realm of construction equipment, the shift towards Li-ion-powered tools and machinery represents a significant leap forward in efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. However, as with any new technology, there are understandable concerns and hesitations, particularly among equipment rental centers.
Fear of short battery life and high replacement costs
One of the primary concerns surrounding Li-ion-powered equipment is the fear of battery degradation and the associated replacement costs. It’s understandable to worry about investing in equipment with a limited lifespan. However, the reality is far more reassuring. Commercial lithium batteries in construction equipment are built to last, with ratings of 2,000-3,000 charging cycles. This translates to over 12 years of battery life under normal usage conditions.
Replacement costs can be planned for by setting a percent of operating cost savings aside for future battery replacement and it is expected the cost of batteries will come down significantly as popularity increases in the coming years.
Fear of the unknown:
New technologies often come with a sense of uncertainty, and Li-ion-powered equipment is no exception. As with most things new, people may be concerned about what they don’t know or have experience with.
The rental path will be one way for people to get the experience and understanding they don’t yet have with electric construction equipment. The rental channel is very receptive to electric equipment and is expected to have good availability in the next 1-2 years. This is for a variety of reasons including simplicity of maintenance, no fuel related hastles for renters, or mechanics at the rental center, and enhanced features that are sometimes included such as GPS and telematics that help track equipment and reduce risk of loss through theft.
Worries about cost
Paying more upfront can make you think twice. While it’s true that these machines may come with a slightly higher price tag upfront, You’ll save a lot in the long run. With potential savings of 60-70% in operating costs compared to traditional ICE-powered equivalents, Li-ion-powered equipment can pay for itself in as little as 12 months, depending on frequency of use. By focusing on the long-term benefits and ROI potential, you can overcome the initial cost barriers and embrace the future of construction equipment.
