A new interactive mapping tool shows how a growing number of US cities and states have passed regulations restricting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, or incentivizing the use of electric equipment, with big clean air benefits for a comparatively small investment.
While gas lawn equipment use may seem like it’s not all that big a deal at first glance, gas leafblowers and lawnmowers can actually extremely bad for air and human health – sometimes moreso than cars.
The issue is that “small off-road engines” (SOREs) usually don’t include any sort of pollution controls, and are often dirtier two-stroke engines that create more power in a small package, but emit orders of magnitude more pollution in the form of unburned particulates from the incomplete combustion process they undergo when compared to four-stroke engines.
As a result, running a gas leaf blower for an hour can produce more emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and reactive organic gases (ROG) than driving a small passenger car 1,000 miles. The car still has plenty of other impacts – higher carbon emissions and energy use, contribution to sprawl and land use, oil dependency and so on – but for these specific smog-forming pollutants, SOREs have a major impact.
It’s gotten to the point where California regulators at one point said that gas lawn equipment was responsible for more NOx + ROG emissions statewide than passenger cars did. And in Colorado, lawn & garden equipment contributes about a third as much ozone as the Colorado’s large oil & gas industry, or also about a third as much as all on-road vehicles combined (including heavy duty trucks).
This pollution doesn’t just form smog and harm human health, but when it happens in residential areas as it often does, it can directly pollute the air of the homes nearby – and operators, of course, have to breathe it every day. Not only that, but the rumbling noise of lawn equipment can create quite a nuisance in residential areas, especially with the rising popularity of working from home.
As a result of all of this, regulators in many states and cities have recognized that restrictions on gas lawn equipment can give outsized air quality benefits for relatively little cost or disruption, and that’s exactly what they’ve done in many places across the country, according to a new analysis by U.S. PIRG.
The new interactive mapping tool was created by U.S. PIRG, a public interest advocacy group which focuses on a number of issues, including environment and clean air.
It shows that cities in 26 states have passed some sort of restriction on use of gas lawn equipment, or incentive to swap to electric. As you might expect, California and Colorado are leading the way here, but plenty of other states and cities have something available, including some that aren’t always known for defending clean air on the state level (like, for example, Texas),
These restrictions take several forms. From California’s statewide ban on sale of new gas lawn equipment, to city restrictions on gas leaf blowers or on any equipment over a certain noise level, to municipal use of electric equipment, or simply incentives to encourage swapping out gas for electric.
Thankfully, there are better options available these days, and they’re quite cheap compared to the outsized air quality benefits they produce.
Electric lawn equipment has improved dramatically in recent years, offering lower noise, no emissions, and just as much power as gas-powered versions. Units are often available at a similar price as gas versions, and not only that, there are incentives available to replace gas models with electric ones.
Some of the locations on the above map have focused on an incentive approach rather than limitations. So in places that have boneheadedly made it illegal for local governments to restrict the use of gas leaf blowers like Texas has, cities like Austin and Dallas have nevertheless instituted incentive campaigns to help their residents and encourage switching over.
US PIRG’s page describes several policies that cities or states can implement to help reduce the impacts of these small polluting engines, and residents can certainly talk to their representatives and encourage movement on this issue.
And if you’re looking to get yourself some gas lawn equipment, keep an eye out for Electrek’s “Green Deals” posts where deals come up quite frequently. And check with your state or regional clean air regulator to see if any rebates are available – here’s California’s page and here’s Colorado’s, but as you can see from the map, there are incentives available elsewhere too.
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Solid-state EV batteries will be here before you know it, Mercedes-backed Farasis Energy claims. During a recent investor meeting, Farasis said it will begin delivering solid-state EV batteries by the end of 2025.
Farasis Energy will deliver solid-state EV batteries in 2025
The new battery tech, promising to unlock more driving range, faster charging, and longer life-spans, is finally moving from the lab to the real world.
Farasis Energy confirmed during the meeting, held on September 15, that its all-solid-state EV batteries are now entering pilot production and delivery. The company is building a 0.2 GWh pilot line for the new sulfide-based solid-state batteries, with deliveries set to begin by the end of 2025.
In a filing released the following day, viewed by IT Home, the company said it’s fully committed to bringing the new battery tech to market.
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Farasis uses a high-nickel ternary cathode and a high-silicon anode, claiming an energy density of 400 to 500 Wh/kg.
The report said R&D has progressed “smoothly,” and the company plans to begin deliveries by the end of 2025. Initially, they will be delivered in small batches to select customers.
(Source: Farasis Energy)
Meanwhile, Farasis’ second-gen sulfide-based all-solid-state EV batteries are moving past the tech development phase. The second-gen batteries have an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which would be among the highest in the industry. It’s expected to roll out in 2026.
In 2027, the company plans to launch the third-generation, promising to unlock an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg.
Mercedes EQS modified with a solid-state battery (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
The report claims that the semi-solid-state batteries only cost 5% to 10% more than liquid batteries, and Farasis expects shipments to ramp up significantly next year.
Just this year, Farasis Energy said it has secured new clients, including XPeng, GAC Group, and “a leading domestic new energy commercial vehicle client” for its core products, SPS (Super Pouch Solution) batteries, and semi-solid state batteries.
Farasis Energy all-solid-state EV battery (Source: Farasis Energy)
The company plans to expand overseas and into new segments, including humanoid robots. Farasis is already using all-solid-state batteries in humanoid robots and has sent samples to leading humanoid robot companies.
Mercedes-Benz bought a stake in Farasis Energy in 2020 to secure battery supply for its upcoming electric vehicles.
A modified Mercedes EQS with solid-state batteries travels 750 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
The news comes after Mercedes announced just last week that it drove an EQS, equipped with solid-state batteries, from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmö, Sweden, covering 750 miles (1,205 km). Mercedes said the vehicle still had another 85 miles of range to go. US-based Factorial Energy supplied the battery cells.
Mercedes’ tech boss, Markus Schäfer, called solid-state batteries “a true gamechanger” for electric vehicles. Schäfer added the new battery tech “delivers not only in the lab but also on the road.”
Farasis Energy, Mercedes-Benz, and Factorial Energy are just a few of the companies racing to unlock the “holy grail” of EV batteries. Toyota, Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Honda, to name a few, are aiming to launch solid-state batteries by the end of the decade. BYD and CATL are reportedly aiming for around 2027.
Bluetti’s power station and alternator charger bundles see up to $1,000 in savings with exclusive pricing from $618
As part of its ongoing Anniversary Power Week Sale, which we’ve touched on for the brand’s outdoor adventure solutions and the full lineup of exclusive Apex 300 deals, Bluetti also has a collection of alternator charger bundles with up to $1,000 in savings that are worth considering for our constant on-the-go readers. Leading the lineup, there is Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Portable Power Station bundled with an Alternator Charger 1 at $1,619.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout for an additional $180 in savings, beating out Amazon’s currently $1,799 pricing. This bundle would fetch 2,699 outside of discounts, with a higher $2,799 pricing at Amazon. Since its release at the top of August, this bundle has only been dropped between $2,099 and $1,799 outside of the exclusive savings on the series that is continuing with this sale. You’ll not only be getting $1,080 cut from the tag, but you’ll be getting the all-time lowest price we have tracked to date. Head below for the full lineup of discounted bundles.
Two quick notes on the deals we’re seeing during Bluetti’s Anniversary Power Week Sale. First, the exclusive code is only eligible on Apex 300 offers, with the full lineup of bundle options available in our original coverage here. Second, purchasing any of the alternator charger bundles below scores members 3x Bluetti Bucks, which can be used for various extra savings and other promotions.
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Whether you’re just enjoying weekend getaways from home or committing to your van life, scoring these power stations with an alternator charger ensures continuous power, especially as you migrate to new destinations. With Bluetti’s Apex 300 power station and alternator charger 1 bundle you’ll be getting the brand’s largest starting setup amongst the bunch, with a 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 capacity (that’s rated for a 17-year lifespan) that you can invest in over time to expand as high as 58kWh, which can seriously cover home backup needs too. The station dishes out a steady 3,840W stream of power through its 13 port options, surging up to 7,680W and will go higher up to 11.52kW with expanded setups.
Aside from the recharging you’ll get from the bundled alternator charger, there are other options to top off the station’s battery for added versatility, including passthrough charging when connected to a gas generator. Plugging it into any standard AC outlet can put it back to 80% capacity in 45 minutes after you’ve activated its Turbo mode, or you can also use your car’s auxiliary port (if you ever forget the alternator charger), as well as utilizing up to the max 2,400W solar input.
Bluetti’s Anniversary Sale alternator charger bundles:
Heybike kickstarts the season with its Golden Fall Sale and up to $600 e-bike discounts with FREE gear starting from $999
Heybike has launched its Golden Fall Sale through September 28, which is offering up to $600 off e-bikes on top of the free bundled gear some models receive. Of course, the ride with the most options these days is Heybike’s Mars 2.0 Folding e-bike that starts from $999 shipped, with varying upgraded motor and extra battery bundle options, as well as its new Mars 3.0 Folding e-bike that recently hit the scene. The standard model carries a $1,499 MSRP, though with the frequency of sales from the brand, we often see it dropped down between $1,099 and $999, with occasional falls lower to $899 in short-term flash sales. During this seasonal event, you can hop aboard your own with a $500 discount (and that’s not even counting the bundled front and rear cargo baskets) that provides the second-lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more info on this model, as well as its upgrades/bundles, and the rest of the sale’s lineup.
This 56V 15-inch EGO cordless string trimmer comes with a POWERLOAD head for easier line replacement at $254
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch Cordless POWERLOAD String Trimmer with 4.0Ah battery for $254.15 shipped. This model usually fetches $299 with no discounts and hasn’t been seeing that many over the year either. The ones we have seen have mostly kept costs above $269, with a short-term fall to $239 in June and the deal we’re seeing today. While it’s not the lowest we’ve tracked in its history, you are still looking at the second-best price of the year with the $45 savings that’s been cut from the tag.
Get more versatility with Husqvarna’s 330iKE Combi Switch bundled with a lawn edger attachment at $324
Amazon is offering the Husqvarna 330iKE Combi Switch and Lawn Edger Attachment for $324.52 shipped. It’s coming down from its $419 price tag here, with the discounts we’ve been seeing since March having only dropped costs as low as $336. You’re looking at a 23% markdown here while the savings last that cut $94 off the tag for the best price we have tracked in the last 6 1/2 months.
Get hot water on demand anywhere with Camplux’s Nano 3 Pro portable heater and shower at $340
Looking in on Camplux’s official Amazon storefront, you’ll currently find the brand’s Nano 3 Pro Portable Water Heater and Camping Shower at $339.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 15% off coupon, and you’ll also be eligible for a FREE dual-fuel portable stove (which you’ll find under the “Benefit items” option to the left side of the page). Fetching $400 without discounts, we saw savings regularly keeping this model between $360 and $342 for most of 2025, though there were two previous falls to this rate in March and April, as well as a drop to its $320 low during July’s Prime Day event. You can pick it up here with $60 slashed from the tag, landing it at the second-lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this model and its upgraded counterparts.
Stream on up to a 120-inch 1080p screen anywhere with Anker’s Nebula Capsule 3 Google TV projector at $380
Through the official Anker Amazon storefront, you can pick up the brand’s Nebula Capsule 3 GTV Outdoor Projector for $379.99 shipped. You’d have to shell out $530 for this model at full price, which has been frequently bouncing between $400 and $380 over 2025, save for the one-time $360 Prime Day low back in July. Aside from that one-off deal, you’ll be getting it here at the next-best price with $150 cut from the tag, making it a great chance to add it to your travel kits, camping gear, and more. There’s also the option to grab the more advanced laser projector variant at $579.98 shipped, down from $750.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
Panasonic, the Japanese manufacturing giant, says it is working on a new battery cell that can add 90 miles of range to the Tesla Model Y – pushing it to over 450 miles (725 km).
Of course, it could also just use fewer batteries and reduce the weight of the vehicle or other EVs.
Panasonic deserves considerable credit for the electric revolution in the automotive industry this millennium.
When Tesla sought to incorporate Li-ion batteries into electric vehicles, Panasonic was the only battery cell manufacturer to join the effort.
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The partnership helped Panasonic significantly expand its battery business, but Korean and Chinese battery cell manufacturers soon surpassed it.
Now, the company is looking to catch up with a new novel battery chemistry.
Panasonic’s proposed design eliminates the anode during manufacturing. Instead, a lithium metal anode forms naturally inside the cell after the first charge. This approach frees up space for more active cathode materials — nickel, cobalt, and aluminum — increasing capacity without changing the overall cell volume.
The company believes that it will result in a 25% increase in energy density, which could add about 90 miles of range on a Model Y (via Reuters):
If achieved, the improvement would lead to a 25% increase in battery capacity, thus boosting the driving range of Tesla’s most affordable sport-utility vehicle, the Model Y, by almost 90 miles (about 145 km), at current battery pack size, Panasonic said.
Panasonic states that the new battery technology will be available by the end of 2027. It didn’t discuss cost.
Electrek’s Take
I’m always wary of “battery breakthrough” announcements, as they rarely pan out to anything substantial, but if they can deliver a 25% increase in energy density at a reasonable cost with longevity, it could be a winner.
The problem is that new batteries generally fail in one of those aspects.
I hope it’s not the case for this project because competition is good, and I’d like to see Panasonic put some pressure on the Chinese and Korean battery manufacturers.
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