The battery, the new star

The electric revolution has changed gear! Batterypowered tools taking over. Consumers want tools that are durable, beautiful and quiet. So what does the future hold? One thing is certain: the market won’t be short of energy.

Farewell petroleum, hello lithium! Sales figures for battery-powered tools are continuing to climb in all circumstances. Tommaso Comboni, chairman of Secimpac, the trade association for portable tool brands, said last year: “2021 had been an exceptional year. It was followed by declines of 9% in 2022 and 2% in 2023.” This year, the hand-held power tool market has returned to growth. Stihl’s marketing director, Pierig Bouret, is delighted: “2024 was an excellent year. Our sales and marketing strategy helped us achieve good results, supported by favourable weather that alternated between rain and sunshine, which boosted purchases of certain equipment, such as brushcutters.”

This growth is driven by a number of factors, including regulations on noise and gas emissions in urban areas, as well as growing consumer demand for quieter, more environmentally friendly tools.
It is worth pointing out, however, that in terms of performance, battery-powered tools are today just as efficient as their petrol counterparts. Battery powered hedge trimmers now offer equivalent power, while being more comfortable to use, with less vibration, noise and fumes. Brushcutters and mowers are following the same trend. Only battery-powered chainsaws, though perfectly suited to most everyday jobs, are still lagging behind.

The general public has grasped the benefits of power tools. But they are not alone. Landscapers and local authorities are adopting them. Some local authorities now operate exclusively with battery- powered equipment. “They even appeal to professional users, thanks to considerable progress in terms of battery life and power,” stresses Pierig Bouret.
This market nevertheless retains a number of distinctive features. While specialist retailers still dominate, e-commerce continues to grow, especially among the younger generation. Tommaso Comboni observes a 15% increase in online sales in 2023, even though the internet is still a minority compared to physical retail outlets. “Personalised in-store advice is still essential for technical products, but e-commerce offers undeniable flexibility,” says Pierig Bouret.

Retailers are not resting on their laurels. Improving machine reparability, recyclability and reconditioning... there’s plenty to do! Pierig Bouret adds: “Stihl is focusing sustainable development. We want to reduce our carbon footprint and extend the life of our products.” Brands are also trying to anticipate European legislation on universal batteries. Bosch designed the Ampshare battery in 2022, which adapts to more than 25 brands. But this revolution comes at a price. Access to the rare earth elements required for batteries remains an ecological and industrial challenge. While new solutions are being devised, sales continue to rise. One thing is certain: power tools still have plenty of energy to spare.
Is the Petrol Engine Stalling?
Petrol-powered tools, once the kings of the garden, continue their decline. In 2023, sales dropped by 12%, a trend confirmed by Secimpac. “Consumers are turning to cleaner and quieter solutions,” explains the organization. Pierig Bouret adds: “Today, battery-powered products account for nearly 50% of sales by volume in the French market, and the trend is similar in other European countries like Germany, Belgium, and Spain.” The real question is no longer if they will disappear but when.