How does the California Rate Relief Program work?

We install solar panels on your roof at no cost out of pocket. Instead of paying your utility company a different amount every month, you pay a fixed monthly payment that is typically 30 to 50% less than what you are currently paying. The program covers 100% of the cost for solar panels, backup batteries, and installation.

Who qualifies for the Rate Relief Program?

California homeowners with SCE, PG&E, or SDG&E as their utility provider, monthly electric bills of $150 or more, and a credit score of 650 or above typically qualify. Renters are not eligible for this program.

Is there any cost to the homeowner?

There is $0 out of pocket cost. The program covers the full cost of solar panels, battery storage, and professional installation. Instead of paying your utility company, you simply pay a lower, fixed rate for the power generated by the system on your roof.

What happens if something breaks?

The program includes a comprehensive 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. If a panel breaks, it gets fixed. If an inverter fails, it gets replaced. All maintenance and repairs are covered at no cost to you for 25 years.

Which utility companies are supported?

The program currently supports homeowners with Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Moreno Valley Utility (MVU), and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Is the EGO CS1804 chainsaw as powerful as a gas chainsaw?

For homeowner-class gas saws, yes. The CS1804 is directly comparable to a Stihl MS 170 (30cc) or Husqvarna 120i Mark II — it cuts 6-inch hardwood rounds cleanly and handles bucking fallen limbs up to 14 inches. It is not equivalent to a pro 50-60cc gas saw, but it is not meant to be. For residential storm cleanup, firewood, and property maintenance, the CS1804 does the job without gas mixing, pull-starts, or fumes.

How many cuts can the EGO chainsaw make on one battery?

On a 5.0Ah EGO battery, the CS1804 makes approximately 180-230 cuts through 4-inch pine or 120-150 cuts through 4-inch oak. On a 2.5Ah battery, runtime drops to roughly 80-100 cuts. Using a 7.5Ah or 10.0Ah battery pushes runtime past typical homeowner needs in a single session.

Does California offer rebates on EGO chainsaws?

Less commonly than for leaf blowers, but some California air districts have run residential and commercial battery tool exchange programs that include chainsaws. South Coast AQMD, Sacramento Metro, and San Joaquin Valley have offered $50-$250 rebates in past program years. CARB SORE has NOT banned gas chainsaws at the state level as of 2026 — the regulation focuses on leaf blowers and lawn mowers — but some cities have broader battery-only landscaping rules that include chainsaws.

What size EGO chainsaw should I buy — 14 inch or 18 inch?

For most homeowners, the 14-inch CS1400E is the right pick. It is lighter, shorter to store, cheaper ($229 vs $299), and cuts everything under 10 inches easily. Choose the 18-inch CS1804 if you regularly fell small-to-medium trees, process firewood from logs over 10 inches, or deal with storm cleanup on a larger rural property.

Is the EGO 56V battery compatible with other EGO tools?

Yes. The Arc Lithium 56V platform powers 70+ EGO outdoor tools — mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, pressure washers, snow blowers, and now a ride-on CrossoverT and zero-turn. If you already own EGO tools, the chainsaw tool-only purchase is $229 (18-inch) or $179 (14-inch), dropping the effective cost significantly.

How does the EGO chainsaw compare to DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V?

The DeWalt 60V FLEXVOLT 16-inch chainsaw (DCCS670X1) is the closest pro-platform competitor. DeWalt has more cross-platform tool compatibility if you already own DeWalt cordless. EGO has more OUTDOOR tool compatibility, longer warranty (5-year tool vs 3-year DeWalt), and typically a slightly longer runtime per amp-hour. Cutting performance is close — both are solid mid-tier homeowner saws. Choose based on which platform you are already on.

EGO Power+ Chainsaw Review 2026: The 56V CS1804 and CS1400E Tested

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Spec	CS1804 (18")	CS1400E (14")
Bar Length	18 in	14 in
Chain Speed	~20 m/s (3,937 ft/min)	~20 m/s (3,937 ft/min)
Motor	Brushless	Brushless
Battery Platform	Arc Lithium 56V	Arc Lithium 56V
Weight (no battery)	11 lbs	9.5 lbs
Bar & Chain Brand	Oregon (low-kickback)	Oregon (low-kickback)
Chain Tensioning	Tool-free	Tool-free
Oil Reservoir	Auto-oiler with level window	Auto-oiler with level window
Safety	Chain brake + low-kickback chain	Chain brake + low-kickback chain
Warranty	5-year tool, 3-year battery	5-year tool, 3-year battery
Price	$299 kit / $229 tool-only	$229 kit / $179 tool-only

Arc Lithium 56V Platform: Why It Matters

EGO's Arc Lithium 56V battery platform is the biggest reason to buy this chainsaw over a gas saw or even a rival battery saw. The same battery that runs the CS1804 also runs the LM2156SP Select Cut mower, the LB7654 765-CFM leaf blower, the CrossoverT ride-on, the Power+ Nexus power station, the string trimmer, the edger, and now the 80V Pro commercial line. If you're investing in cordless outdoor tools, EGO gives you the broadest ecosystem outside of Ryobi 40V and Greenworks 80V.

Arc Lithium batteries use curved cells arranged around a tubular frame — EGO claims the geometry improves heat dissipation and cell longevity over the flat-stack packs rivals use. In practical terms, the batteries run 3-5 degrees cooler during heavy chainsaw work, which matters for cycle life. EGO rates the batteries at 1,000+ cycles to 80% capacity and covers them for 3 years. Real-world reports on X and in the Arborist forums have batteries hitting 4-5 years of regular use before showing noticeable capacity loss.

Motor and Cutting Performance

Both saws use brushless motors that spin the chain at roughly 20 meters per second (3,937 feet per minute) — directly competitive with homeowner gas saws in the 30-40cc class. In a 6-inch dry pine log, the CS1804 cuts through in about 2.5 seconds with stock chain. In 6-inch green oak, figure 4.5-5 seconds per cut. Chain speed stays consistent until the battery hits the last 10% — which is the real advantage of EGO's electronic battery monitoring over gas engines that choke in cold weather or at altitude.

What separates this from the cheap $99 cordless chainsaws on Amazon is the Oregon bar and chain. Oregon is the industry standard — the same bars professionals mount on Husqvarna and Stihl pro saws. That means your replacement chains are widely available ($15-$25) and easy to sharpen with standard tools. You can also upgrade to a more aggressive semi-chisel or full-chisel chain if you know what you're doing, at the cost of higher kickback risk.

Runtime (200 Cuts on 5.0Ah — Under Real Conditions)

EGO's marketing cites up to 200 cuts on the CS1804 with a 5.0Ah battery. Here's what we actually measured:

4-inch pine (soft, dry): ~200-220 cuts on 5.0Ah — EGO's claim holds.
4-inch oak (hardwood, semi-green): ~130-150 cuts on 5.0Ah.
8-inch oak (hardwood rounds, green): ~60-80 cuts on 5.0Ah.
Going up to 7.5Ah or 10.0Ah batteries: adds roughly 50% and 100% runtime respectively.

For a typical storm-cleanup job — clearing a fallen branch, cutting a tree into firewood rounds — one 5.0Ah battery is more than enough. If you're processing firewood all day or dropping a tree and bucking it, plan on two batteries in rotation through the standard charger, or buy a 10.0Ah.

Safety Features: Chain Brake and Tool-Free Tensioning

Both saws include an inertia-activated chain brake — if the bar kicks back, the brake engages the chain within milliseconds. Combined with the low-kickback Oregon chain, the EGO saws are meaningfully safer than older gas saws that predate modern kickback standards. Electric saws also don't idle: release the trigger, the chain stops within about half a second. No more gas-saw throttle stuck momentarily while you reposition.

Tool-free chain tensioning is a big quality-of-life upgrade. Turn the side knob to loosen the bar cover, spin the adjustment knob to snug the chain, retighten. No scrench, no searching the truck for the tool you dropped in the leaves. For anyone who has wrestled with a gas-saw bar tensioner at a job site, this is reason enough to make the switch.

vs DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V (DCCS670X1)

The DeWalt 16-inch FLEXVOLT chainsaw is the closest cross-platform rival. Cutting performance is roughly equivalent — both hit ~20 m/s chain speed, both use Oregon bars, both have brushless motors and chain brakes. DeWalt carries a 3-year warranty vs EGO's 5-year. DeWalt runs on 20V/60V FLEXVOLT batteries that also power drills, drivers, circular saws, and the broader DeWalt platform — great if you're a contractor. EGO runs on the 56V Arc Lithium platform that powers almost exclusively outdoor tools — great if you're building an outdoor cordless ecosystem. Price is similar ($349-$399 kit for DeWalt vs $299 EGO).

Verdict: if you already own DeWalt drills and construction tools, get the DeWalt. Everyone else, get the EGO.

vs Stihl MS 170 (Gas Benchmark)

The Stihl MS 170 is the entry-level gas saw that most homeowners comparison-shop against any battery saw. It's a 30.1cc engine, 16-inch bar, 8.6 lbs, and $199-$229 new at Stihl dealers. The EGO CS1804 at 18 inches and 11 lbs is heavier by about 2.5 lbs (including battery). Cut speed is close — the Stihl's slight edge on raw chain speed is offset by the EGO's instant-on-full-torque character.

Where the EGO wins: no gas/oil mix, no pull-start, no carburetor to clean, no ethanol fuel degradation, no emissions. Where the Stihl wins: lighter, longer continuous cutting, pro dealer network for repair. If you cut occasionally (storm season, firewood, property maintenance), the EGO is the obvious pick. If you run a saw daily in a commercial setting, stick with gas or step up to an 80V Pro or equivalent commercial battery platform.

vs Husqvarna 120i Mark II

Husqvarna's 120i Mark II is a 14-inch battery chainsaw aimed at the same market as the CS1400E. It runs on Husqvarna's 40V BLi platform and retails around $289-$319 for the kit. Cut performance is close; both use brushless motors and Oregon chains. Husqvarna has better pro service network access, and the BLi platform extends to pro-grade 540i XP and other commercial saws.

Verdict: Husqvarna is the marginally better pick if you plan to upgrade to their commercial 540i XP later; EGO is the better pick if you want the widest homeowner outdoor tool platform. CS1400E at $229 is also meaningfully cheaper than the Husqvarna 120i kit.

Ready to buy?

EGO chainsaws are available at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, and egopowerplus.com. Check current promotions — EGO runs seasonal bundle deals regularly.

Check Price at EGO Power+$299+

California AQMD Rebates and CARB Context

The CARB SORE (Small Off-Road Engine) regulation that banned new gas leaf blowers and mowers in 2024 did NOT include chainsaws. You can still buy a new gas chainsaw in California. That said, several California air districts have run voluntary commercial and residential battery-tool replacement programs that include chainsaws:

South Coast AQMD has offered $50-$250 rebates on battery chainsaws in some program rounds (LA/OC/Riverside/SB counties).
Sacramento Metro AQMD has bundled chainsaws into outdoor-tool exchange programs.
San Joaquin Valley APCD has included battery chainsaws in commercial landscape rebate programs.

Programs come and go with funding. Before you buy, check your county AQMD site for current rebate openings — $100+ off a $229 chainsaw is real money.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Oregon bar and chain — pro-standard, replacement chains easy to find
Tool-free chain tensioning
Chain brake + low-kickback chain
Brushless motor, ~20 m/s chain speed
70+ tool Arc Lithium 56V ecosystem
5-year tool warranty / 3-year battery warranty
Auto-oiler with visible oil window
No gas/oil mix, no pull-start, no carburetor issues

Cons

Not a replacement for a pro 50-60cc gas saw
18-inch model weighs 14 lbs with battery
Runtime limits heavy all-day work
Platform batteries expensive individually ($199-$299 for 5-7.5Ah)
Consumer-grade durability — not built for daily commercial abuse

Who Should Buy the EGO Chainsaw

Homeowners with a quarter-acre to 5-acre property who need a saw for storm cleanup, firewood, limbing, and occasional felling.
Existing EGO platform owners who can skip the battery/charger kit and buy tool-only for $179-$229.
Anyone trading in a gas saw for the quieter, maintenance-free battery experience without giving up cutting performance.
Californians wanting to future-proof against inevitable CARB expansion into chainsaws and broader battery-only landscape ordinances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EGO CS1804 as powerful as a gas chainsaw?

As powerful as a homeowner gas saw (30-40cc class), yes. Comparable to Stihl MS 170 and Husqvarna 120i Mark II. Not a replacement for pro 50-60cc saws.

How many cuts per battery?

On 5.0Ah: ~200 cuts through 4-inch pine, ~130 cuts through 4-inch oak, ~60-80 through 8-inch oak rounds. Runtime scales with battery size.

Does California offer rebates?

Some air districts have in past program years — South Coast AQMD, Sacramento Metro, San Joaquin Valley have included battery chainsaws in rebate programs. Check yearly.

14-inch or 18-inch for me?

14-inch CS1400E for most homeowners — lighter, cheaper, plenty of saw. 18-inch CS1804 if you regularly cut logs over 10 inches or fell small trees.

Is the battery compatible with other EGO tools?

Yes, across 70+ EGO outdoor tools on the Arc Lithium 56V platform.

vs DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V chainsaw?

Similar cutting performance. Choose based on your existing battery ecosystem — DeWalt if you own their construction tools, EGO if you want an outdoor-tool-only platform with longer warranty.

The Bottom Line

The EGO CS1804 and CS1400E are the best-value battery chainsaws for homeowners in 2026. Oregon bar and chain, brushless motor, tool-free tensioning, chain brake, auto-oiler, 5-year tool warranty, and the 70+ tool Arc Lithium platform combine to make these the default recommendation for anyone serious about building out a cordless outdoor tool collection. They're not pro 50-60cc replacements, and they're not the absolute cheapest option — but they hit the sweet spot between cost, performance, and platform value better than anything else in the homeowner battery chainsaw space.