While the 2024 CES show was an unmitigated disaster in countless areas, there were a few (very, very few) things worthy of note.
In the new West Hall, the focus of everything large and electrically powered, demonstrated in no uncertain terms that anything petrol-powered is on its way out.
You saw heavy-duty everyday items, used at home and business, going electric.
There were bulldozers, earthmovers, heavy trucks, combines, etc. from most of the world’s heavy-duty makers showing that there’s a better way to build the future. The amount of maintenance for industrial vehicles is far beyond anything the average car/boat/gardener would ever be required to perform. That intense maintenance is expensive in ways other than just filters and lubrication. You have to shut down construction while work is being performed on it, and you’re hoping you have the right parts/chemicals to keep it running. Industrial vehicles require vast amounts of diesel/oil/coolant/hydraulic fluids/filters/hydraulic fluid fittings/grease and much more … pure electric alternatives require virtually none. The sheer amount of maintenance time required for petroleum-based machinery to continue to operate is substantial. With electric … again, virtually none. A large-scale builder saves money in lack of maintenance, breakdowns, parts and just as crucially … time. They may be able to do more jobs annually simply by going electric.
Even now, you’re seeing this industrial tech filter down to the homeowner through mowers, blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, tillers and more. No more storing flammable gasoline inside your garage or having to stop mid-job to go buy more fuel. Just slap in a new, charged battery and keep working. Another plus, is no real need for hearing protection. The exhaust scream of a heavily-taxed engine isn’t missed.
Your neighbors won’t miss the sound of your yardman’s loud whining tools …