How net zero initiatives could accelerate the move to electric groundscare vehicles

In this article, we explore what’s driving this shift, what the changes look like for grounds maintenance and how green spaces can be maintained effectively in an increasingly electric world.

The move towards electric grounds maintenance

The combination of national emission targets and local council initiatives suggests an ongoing transition towards electric alternatives across all industries.

Let’s have a quick look at how environmentally conscious regulations are shaping the landscape that surrounds grounds maintenance and fossil fuel vehicles in general.

National regulations and net zero policies

The UK Government has announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned across the country starting from 2030, with sales of new vans continuing until 2035.

While this shift might at first seem daunting for owners of traditional vehicles, it’s important to note that second-hand cars and vans won’t be affected. However, this raises important questions about the long-term viability of fossil fuel vehicles in general.

For instance, will future regulations push measures further? How available or expensive will petrol be in 10 years? And will Clean Air Zones expand, effectively limiting the convenience of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles?

As groundscare equipment could also be affected by these concerns, including the rising cost of petrol and limited access to key city areas, teams will need to assess their unique needs before choosing the right fuel type for their fleet.

Local council initiatives

When it comes to understanding where the groundscare sector is heading, local authority initiatives often provide the clearest view.

As more UK cities commit to ambitious net zero targets, their procurement decisions are setting a precedent for sustainable groundscare practices – and increasingly, that means investing in electric equipment.

• Take Edinburgh, for example. The City Council has pledged to become a net zero city by 2030, and in line with this target, it announced the replacement of petrol-powered leaf blowers with quieter, low-emission electric alternatives. This decision not only helps reduce carbon output and noise pollution but also signals a broader shift towards cleaner, more sustainable maintenance tools across public spaces.
• In Leicester, similar priorities are already in action. As part of its long-term environmental strategy, the council has invested nearly £70,000 in battery-powered mowers and electric hand tools, including blowers and gear for hedge-cutting and pruning trees, to support its decarbonisation goals. This early commitment has positioned Leicester as a leader in sustainable urban maintenance and offers a model for others to follow.
• Cambridge City Council has also committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, and its Greener City Charter outlines steps that include transitioning fleets and equipment to electric alternatives. These plans not only aim to cut emissions but also reduce operational noise and improve air quality, further strengthening the case for electric groundscare tools in built-up and noise-sensitive areas.

Further information: navigating a changing sector

Groundscare is an ever-changing sector, influenced by national policies and local realities that can evolve quickly with new government and council initiatives.

Stay tuned to keep up with the latest industry trends and comply with shifting regulations.

The benefits of electric groundscare vehicles

While there will always be a place for petrol or diesel-powered machines, building a mixed fleet is a great strategy to hedge the risk of further clampdowns on fossil fuels. There are compelling reasons to make the switch to electric that go beyond environmental benefits such as zero emissions and reduced impacts on wildlife, soil, and the ecosystem.

Key operational benefits of electric machines include:

• Lower operating costs. With fewer moving parts and reduced servicing requirements, electric machines tend to have a lower total cost of ownership.
• Improved operator comfort. Electric machines generate less noise and vibration, making them more comfortable and safer for daily use.
• A more flexible schedule. Quieter than traditional machines, electric mowers and utility vehicles can be used to start earlier and work later without disturbing neighbouring residents.
• No chance of hydraulic leaks. Battery-powered machines have no engine oil. That means no risk of hydraulic leaks and reduced potential for turf damage.
• Future-proofing your fleet. Investing in electric machinery now prepares teams for regulatory changes and ensures long-term equipment availability.

The advantage of Toro’s electric range

Adding electric models to your fleet might be essential to future-proof your operations, but not all battery-powered machines are created equal.

Toro is leading the green revolution in turfcare with a growing range of battery-powered machines built to ensure the same performance, quality, and durability as their diesel counterparts.

Whether it’s for mowing, transport, or other fine turf applications, there is a trusted electric option for your needs. Here are a few examples of what your team can achieve with Toro:

Toro Groundsmaster e3200

For more than five decades, Toro has set the standard in out-front rotary mowing, combining high productivity, outstanding reliability, and exceptional cutting quality. That tradition continues with the Groundsmaster e3200 – a lithium-ion battery-powered model designed to meet modern sustainability demands.

The Groundsmaster e3200 supports up to 17 HyperCell batteries, delivering a full day of runtime even when tackling the toughest jobs. Its Smart Power mode ensures optimal energy use, automatically adjusting output to maintain cutting performance without stalling.

And what’s best, charging remains a simple, intuitive process. A battery reserve function guarantees plenty of power for a safe return to the charging station for a quick top-up, while the integrated 3.3kW onboard charger allows for convenient overnight charging.

Toro Workman GTX Lithium-Ion

Upgrading Toro’s popular line of hard-working utility vehicles, the Workman GTX Lithium-Ion is powered by advanced lithium-ion technology designed for long-lasting, dependable performance.

As the largest lithium-ion utility vehicle in its category, it’s built to tackle demanding tasks with ease, with an impressive 680kg towing capacity. Weighing nearly 181.4kg less than traditional GTX models, the battery-powered Workman GTX brings unmatched levels of efficiency while also minimising turf impact.

Last but not least, the maintenance-free power packs offer a long service life, ensuring the vehicle is always ready for action, carrying and removing equipment anywhere you need.

Toro Turf Pro 500

Equipped with GPS and RTK technology, the Turf Pro 500 robotic mowers offer an innovative solution to automate turf maintenance, allowing teams to redirect their time and expertise to areas and tasks that require more hands-on care.

Operators simply need to program the machines by setting boundaries, restricted zones, mowing patterns, cutting heights, and travel routes – with a standard cutting height range of 20–100mm and the ability to cover up to 75,000m².

And for more challenging grounds, the Turf Pro 500S version is available, designed to tackle even 45 percent (24º) slopes with ease while only adding one extra kilogram to the total mower weight.

Toro eProStripe 560

The Toro eProStripe 560 is a walk-behind, rotary mower that is often used on sports pitches for its beautiful striping finish.

However, this electric model can also be an ideal solution for groundscare applications wherever a precise walk-behind mower is needed – for instance, to maintain small green areas where cutting accuracy and turf aesthetics are paramount.

With a height adjustment system for consistent cut, a high-capacity grass bag for easy debris collection, and a lightweight design for improved manoeuvrability, the eProStripe 560 delivers unmatched performance and ease of use.

Supporting your groundscare journey

Whether you’re managing a single park or a city-wide network of green spaces, electric machines have become a compelling choice for grounds maintenance.

Need help finding the right solution to future-proof your fleet? As Toro’s sole distributor in the UK, Reesink is in the perfect position to provide the best advice for your unique situation as well as ongoing servicing and after-sale support.

Discover Toro’s full range of electric machines on www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or speak with product specialists by calling 01480 226800 for tailored guidance.