Colorado’s November 9 snowstorm was one for the books. Record-breaking snowfall blanketed driveways, sidewalks, and streets, presenting the ideal test for the EGO Power+ Two-Stage 56V Battery Snow Blower with its 7.5 AH batteries. This review dives into the snowblower’s performance, examining everything from battery life to power output, and tackling the perennial question: gas or electric? With more electric models claiming to rival or even exceed gas-powered machines, we put the EGO to the ultimate test.
First Impressions and Setup
The EGO Power+ Two-Stage Snow Blower is an impressive machine from the get-go. Featuring a rugged two-stage design, it's built to handle heavier loads with its brushless motor that delivers torque comparable to gas blowers. The 56V ARC lithium batteries are known for quick charging, cold weather tolerance, and providing consistent power until they’re fully depleted. The dual 7.5 AH batteries promised a reasonable run time, but how would they fare against a massive snow dump?
The Colorado Storm: Wet, Heavy, and Challenging
As any Coloradan knows, not all snow is created equal. This storm brought heavy, wet snow that clung to the ground, making it even harder to clear. With our large driveway (about 150' x 50') and an extensive 250' stretch of sidewalk, we knew this was going to be a challenge for any snowblower, let alone an electric one. Wet snow typically demands more power, which is where electric models sometimes struggle compared to gas-powered counterparts.
Battery Life and Performance
The 7.5 AH batteries turned out to be the stars of this test. Starting with a fresh charge, the EGO Power+ performed admirably on the driveway, making significant headway through the deep, dense snow. The dual batteries allowed us to clear nearly all of our 150' x 50' driveway and the full 250' of sidewalk before needing a recharge. We were pleased with its efficiency and found that just over two battery charges were needed to fully complete the job. Given the storm’s conditions, we were genuinely impressed that it took only a couple of recharges to power through such a large area.
Technical Highlights
The EGO Power+ has a powerful two-stage system that works by first breaking up the snow with the auger, then throwing it with the impeller. Here are a few technical highlights that stood out during the review:
- Brushless Motor: The 56V brushless motor provided consistent power throughout the job without any lag or noticeable drop-off in performance, even as we worked through heavier sections.
- LED Headlights: The bright LED headlights were a surprisingly useful feature, especially as we tackled the job later in the day when visibility became a challenge.
- Quick Recharging: With EGO’s rapid charger, the batteries were back to full power faster than expected, allowing us to pick up where we left off without waiting too long.
- Variable Speed Control: We appreciated the flexibility of the variable speed control, which allowed us to adjust the machine’s pace according to the snow density, saving battery life during lighter sections and going full power when needed.
Performance Comparison: Gas vs. Electric
The debate between gas and electric snowblowers has been heating up as electric models continue to improve in both power and convenience. Here’s how the EGO Power+ stacked up compared to a gas-powered machine:
- Power: While gas blowers have traditionally been viewed as more powerful, the EGO’s two-stage motor and efficient design handled the heavy snow with ease. For residential use, it delivered enough power to make gas unnecessary.
- Noise: The EGO Power+ ran significantly quieter than any gas model we’ve used, making it a great option for early morning snow clearing without disturbing neighbors.
- Maintenance: Unlike gas models that require oil changes, fuel storage, and other maintenance, the EGO is as simple as charging the batteries. There’s no need for fuel stabilizers or carburetor maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: With zero emissions, the EGO aligns with a greener approach to snow clearing, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious users.
Our Verdict: Is Electric Ready to Replace Gas?
After putting the EGO Power+ through one of Colorado’s toughest storms, we’re convinced that electric snowblowers have officially arrived as a viable replacement for gas. With its ease of use, minimal maintenance, and impressive power, the EGO Power+ met our expectations and more. Although it required two battery charges to finish our large area, we found the results highly satisfactory given the extreme conditions.
If you’re considering switching from gas to electric, the EGO Power+ Two-Stage 56V Battery Snow Blower is a strong contender. It’s perfect for homeowners who value convenience, minimal maintenance, and environmentally friendly options without sacrificing performance. In this review, it cleared heavy, wet snow with relative ease, proving that electric can indeed stand up to the challenge—even in the heart of a Colorado snowstorm.