Honda adds battery-powered mowers to OPE portfolio

The walk-behind models will incorporate either one or two 8- or 12-Ah (shown) lithium-ion batteries. (Photo: Honda)

Honda Power Sports & Products has introduced a new line of battery-powered, professional-level consumer and commercial lawn mowers to the U.S. market. The HRX, HRN and HRC walk-behind models and a zero-turn-radius (ZTR) commercial lawn mower will go on sale at select Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide in 2025.

Honda began producing gasoline-powered lawn mowers for U.S. customers in 1978 but ceased production in 2023 due to factors such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences and the need to align local manufacturing resources around other high-demand products. The new battery-powered lineup will serve to expand the company’s outdoor power equipment (OPE) product offerings while supporting the Honda electrification vision and mission for a diversified product portfolio.

“With the new line of Honda battery-powered lawn mowers, we will deliver the exceptional ownership experience that our customers have come to expect while providing lawn care options for a variety of users, conditions and applications,” said Mark Kohls, vice president of Honda Power Sports & Products, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is only part of the challenge, as battery-powered power products must meet Honda standards for rugged performance, ease of use and comfortable operation to meet the high expectations of our residential and commercial customers.”

Walk-behind models

The HRX, HRN and HRC walk-behind models will incorporate 1.5-kW or 2-kW air-cooled, brushless electric motors and either one or two 8- or 12-Ah lithium-ion batteries, depending on the model. A standard 2A overnight charging system charges batteries to full charge within 4.5 to 6 hours (depending on battery capacity), with a rapid 8A charger option available for purchase.

The HRX-BE walk-behind mower includess the e-Select (electric) transmission. (Photo: Honda)

Features of the new mowers include:

• Honda Select Drive – a speed-adjust dial that adjusts mower speed from 0 to 4 mph to match operator speed – on the HRX-BV;
• e-Select Drive (electronic) transmission on the HRX-BE for fully adjustable speed control up to 4 mph;
• Smart Drive self-propel on the HRN-BV for variable speed control while mowing and five adjustable positions for user comfort;
• Electric Cruise Control transmission and electronic Blade Stop System on the HRC-BE.

Multi-motor solution

The ZTR commercial lawn mower is powered by five separate 48-volt brushless electric motors – three deck motors that rotate the MicroCut twin blades plus two drive wheel motors to precisely maneuver the vehicle. Six 48-volt lithium-ion battery packs each provide 19.2kW/h of energy. The batteries can power up to 15 acres of mowing on a single charge. A digital display panel indicates the state of charge for each battery, and individual batteries can be swapped out easily without replacing the entire pack.

Honda’s ZTR commercial mowers will be powered by five separate electric motors. (Photo: Honda)

The built-in charging system for the ZTR is adaptable for 120 or 240-volt charging. The battery pack can be fully charged at 120 volts in approximately 17 hours and quick-charged at 240 volts in six hours. The motors and charging system are fitted with electrical quick connectors for fast and easy connection and disconnection when service is needed.

The new ZTR will be the first electrified power product produced at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) in Swepsonville and made using domestic and globally sourced parts.

“Technology is aggressively shaping the future of the world, including the landscaping industry, and trends show that buyers are integrating battery-powered products into their fleets,” said Kohls. “Honda Sports & Products is providing the battery-powered Honda ZTR lawn mower to introduce flexibility into the fleet, help increase operating efficiency and comfort, address labor shortages and support the sustainability goals of commercial landscapers.”