Electric lawn mower (corded) vs. battery lawn mower: running cost
A battery lawn mower is cheaper to run: about $3 a year versus $6 for an electric lawn mower (corded) at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Electric lawn mower (corded) | Battery lawn mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,400 W | 300 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,600 W | 100–600 W |
| Typical use | 45 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | 1.5 hours a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year |
| Energy per year | 32 kWh | 19 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 25¢ | 5.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.7¢ | 1.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.82 | $0.48 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $3 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $14 | $8 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric lawn mower (corded): Corded mowers draw 10-13 A (about 1,200-1,500 W) and mowing a quarter-acre takes about 45 minutes, about 1 kWh, or roughly 30 kWh a season.
- Battery lawn mower: Watts are charger draw. Recharging a 56 V 5 Ah battery takes about 0.35 kWh, so a season of weekly mowing uses roughly 15 kWh, about $2-3.
Ways to cut either cost
Lets you mow on a single charging session instead of stopping.
See options on AmazonSimilar energy use without a cord; charging costs a few dollars a year.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric lawn mower (corded) or a battery lawn mower?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric lawn mower (corded) costs about $6 a year versus $3 for a battery lawn mower. That's $2 more, or 1.7× as much.
How many watts do electric lawn mower (corded) and battery lawn mower use?
An electric lawn mower (corded) typically draws 1,400 W (range 1,000–1,600 W). A battery lawn mower draws 300 W (range 100–600 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.