Practical Application: Can Li-ion Chain Saws Really Replace Gasoline Chain Saws?

Practical Application: Can Li-ion Chain Saws Really Replace Gasoline Chain Saws?

On May 28th, the European Commission officially announced that it would reduce carbon emissions by 54% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and 

planned to propose an even more ambitious target - a 90% reduction by 2040. This policy signal is like a heavy hammer, directly hitting the high-carbon-emitting tool industry, and gasoline-powered chain saws, with their fuel dependence and high pollution, are facing an unprecedented survival crisis. Meanwhile, policies such as the implementation of the EU's New Battery Act, the imposition of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the mandatory disclosure of full-lifecycle carbon emissions are jointly pushing lithium-ion (Li-ion) chain saws to become the mainstream in the market.

Therefore, the question arises: Can Li-ion chain saws really replace gasoline chain saws?

After all, chain saws driven by fuel engines have been around for over a hundred years. Gasoline chain saws, having developed to this day, boast efficient and stable performance with strong cutting power, making them the preferred choice for professional lumberjacks and garden workers.

Recently, we tested WINKKO's latest 40V (4.0AH) Li-ion chain saw, the HCH401BL, equipped with a 12-inch bar. It can continuously cut for over an hour on a single full charge, and the diameter of the cutting materials ranges from 5 to 30 centimeters (see the attached figure below).

How does WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw achieve such a user experience and cutting effect?
This is because today's Li-ion chain saws have the following technological advantages:

1. Brushless Motor Drive System
Brushless motor technology replaces traditional carbon brushes, collector rings, capacitors, and other components in brushed motors with electronic controllers. Without physical contact, it can precisely regulate the current direction and drive the rotor motion through magnetic field changes, with an efficiency of 85%-95%. Moreover, the brushless motor can automatically adjust the power according to the cutting resistance, maintaining a constant chain speed and thus achieving smooth and steady cutting.

2. High-Performance Batteries and Fast-Charging Technology
Ternary lithium batteries have a high discharge rate, supporting a discharge rate of 10-15C, and their energy density far exceeds that of traditional batteries. WINKKO's 40V, 16-inch chain saw, the HCH401BL, is equipped with 21700 full-tab cells, providing greater discharge capability while achieving a smaller size and better weight control. It can deliver a strong and continuous discharge rate, satisfying users' demand for efficient and comfortable use. At the same time, it adopts WINKKO's original 40V/4A charger, supporting fast-charging technology that ensures the fastest charging speed while protecting the battery to extend its cycle life.

In addition to the above, WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw, the HCH401BL, also has the following features:

1. Low-Kickback Design:

 The distance between the front handle and the chain is ≥15cm, reducing the risk of leg contact. When users mis-operate, the rate of leg injuries can decrease by 65%.

2. Lightweight Structural Design
Due to the absence of complex components such as fuel engines and fuel tanks, WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw is generally lighter. Taking the 40V chain saw, the HCH401BL, as an example, the weight of the whole machine and battery is about 4.5kg; while a 50cc fuel chain saw, with the whole machine and fuel, weighs about 6-8.5kg, achieving an overall weight reduction of about 33%-45%. The Li-ion chain saw is less tiring to use for long periods, improving work efficiency and operational flexibility.

3. Low Noise and More Environmentally Friendly
The working noise of WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw is ≤85dB (complying with the occupational health and safety limit); the working noise of a fuel chain saw is ≥110dB (long-term exposure to this environment can cause hearing damage). The Li-ion chain saw greatly reduces noise pollution for operators and the surrounding environment, providing users with a more comfortable working environment. Using lithium batteries as the power source, the Li-ion chain saw has zero tailpipe emissions, and its full-lifecycle carbon emissions are 70% lower than those of a fuel chain saw. Meanwhile, the recycling rate of lithium batteries is ≥95%.

4. Maintenance Costs
WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw, powered by batteries, eliminates the need to worry about issues such as fuel mixture ratios, oil clogging, or spark plug replacement. Daily maintenance mainly focuses on cleaning the saw chain, guide bar, and regularly checking the battery status. Although lubrication of the saw chain and guide bar is also required, the consumption of lubricating oil is usually lower than that of a regular fuel chain saw because it runs more smoothly and generates relatively less heat. A fuel chain saw, on the other hand, requires more professional maintenance, including the upkeep of multiple components such as the air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter. Compared with a fuel chain saw, WINKKO's Li-ion chain saw can reduce maintenance costs by about 60%.