Mower makers have been struggling to develop an electric rider that runs long enough to mow a large property. But the best in our tests has managed only 75 minutes. Now Recharge Mower is promising three hours of run-time in a model to be introduced at the National Hardware Show, which starts tomorrow in Las Vegas.

The G2 mower, which goes on sale next year, runs on a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge long enough to mow more than two acres, according to the president of Driven by Solar, which makes the Recharge Mower line of electric gear. For our latest mower tests, we included the Ariens AMP 916002, an electric mower that uses a conventional lead-acid battery. It ran for 75 minutes, or about enough time to mow an acre.

Unlike nickel-cadmium or sealed lead-acid batteries used in other tools and mowers, lithium-ion batteries last through more charge cycles and recharge faster. But you still may want to hedge your bets. “Whatever the battery type, these kinds of claims on electric mowers have a way of not measuring up when put to the test,” says Peter Sawchuk who oversees Consumer Reports mower tests. “It takes a lot of power to cut grass, especially as a blade dulls, and to carry a rider up and down hills.”

And while the Ariens cost $2,200, Recharge Mower’s G2 will sell for about $5,000. At that price, it may first appeal to landscapers who, the president of Driven by Solar hopes, will like its quieter operation and faster recharge time.

Recharge Mower also has a lithium-ion powered electric push mower, which sells for $489. We haven’t tested it but hope to look at more lithium-ion powered mowers as they come on the market. Of the 18 battery-powered and corded electric push mowers in our current ratings, we recommended three, all from Black & Decker. We also tested two electric self-propelled mowers and again Black & Deck came out on top.