Plugging in to goal of 85% battery power by 2028
By Alan Wolf, YSN
The Home Depot anticipates that over 85% of its outdoor power equipment assortment will run on rechargeable batteries rather than gasoline by the end of fiscal year 2028.
The retailer said its transition in the U.S. and Canada from petrol- to electric-powered push lawn mowers and handheld equipment like leaf blowers and trimmers will cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 million metric tons each year. The No. 1 home improvement chain cited industry data showing that a gas-powered lawn mower running for one hour creates as much air pollution as driving 300 miles in an average car, and that operating a gas leaf blower for one hour spews as many emissions as a 1,000-mile drive from Los Angeles to Denver.

Home Depot said its greatest environmental impact comes from the products it sells, and that offering residential lawn equipment that reduces the customer’s carbon footprint offers the biggest opportunity to reach its sustainability goal.
To that end, the retailer will support brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and others that are committed to building rechargeable gear with power and run times that are comparable to gas-powered tools — albeit with less noise, less maintenance and easier startups.
“By innovating residential lawn equipment away from gas powered combustible engines, we can help make our neighborhoods cleaner and quieter,” said Ron Jarvis, the chain’s chief sustainability officer. “By working with our suppliers to bring innovative and sustainable products to every aisle of our store, we can help our customers create more sustainable homes and workplaces.”