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Comment by 1bc29b36f623ba8 | Hacker News Reader

Yes, hybrids are definitely a viable use-case. There are also other applications where a combustion engine makes much more sense, especially if this design can be used for smaller engines like chainsaw engines and lawnmower engines.

The article doesn't mention what kind of fuel this new engine uses, but if it can run on ethanol, or synthesized hydrocarbons like E-diesel then this could definitely be a good thing.

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Chainsaws and lawnmowers do need to go electric now.

They are the ones that ought to go electric first. The easier ones.

They are getting there, at least for lawnmowers. Robot movers are getting close in price to traditional mowers. There are a good selection of chainsaws for gardening and light usage that are electric.

But if you, like me, use 2-3l of bio-fuel a year during only 2-3 days on the chainsaw there are not many options and not much to save. Even added up all the fuel used on chainsaws is microscopic compared to for instance savings going from giant trucks to smaller trucks or cars, which is an easy fix by changing regulations in US to not favor giant trucks and subsiding fuel

> Thankfully electricity is not available everywhere, e.g. in the middle of a forest.

Well, do you easily find a refueling station in the middle of the forest? If you brought spare fuel containers, why wouldn't you bring all-the-same spare batteries?

Energy density is probably quite important for something handheld like a chainsaw. I doubt batteries are able to replace that except for some light garden use.

This. A 5l can of fuel is easier to drag along and I suspect current battery tech won't be good enough for professional use.

I have a chainsaw that runs on mains power. It's really nice (and quiet) for smaller tasks close to the house, but it doesn't help once you get outside extension cord-range.

40 volt electric chainsaws are fine for anything under 6 inches in diameter. That covers almost all household use cases as well as many trail thinning situations.

Yeah, the current offerings just won't cut it for professional use though, which I suspect account for much of chainsaw emissions.

Thankfully electricity is not available everywhere, e.g. in the middle of a forest.

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