Are battery-powered spraying drones worth the cost?

The price of battery-powered spraying drone can make many farmers hesitant before investing. However, when considering overall efficiency, fuel cost, and battery lifespan, they become a clearly profitable investment. This article helps you understand the real value and how to choose the best drone for your farming goals.

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Overview of battery-powered spraying drone

What are battery-powered spraying drone and how do they work?

A battery-powered spraying drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a spraying system that operates using lithium-ion battery power. These drones can fly autonomously via RTK positioning maps, precisely spraying within programmed areas to reduce chemical waste and labor costs.

Their operating principle converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical power for the rotors and pumps. This allows flight times of 15-25 minutes per full charge, depending on battery capacity and payload.

Structure and operating principle of battery-powered drones

The main components of a battery-powered spraying drone include:

  1. Rotor motor system for stable lift.
  2. Chemical tank with a capacity of 10-40 liters depending on the model.
  3. High-pressure pump ensuring even and fine spray distribution.
  4. Lithium-ion or smart DJI battery providing stable power and quick replacement.

When operating, the drone uses battery energy to rotate the propellers and run the pump. GPS/RTK positioning sensors ensure accurate flight paths, prevent overlapping spray zones, and automatically stop when the battery runs low for safety.

Differences between battery-powered and fuel-powered drones

Criteria

Battery-powered drone

Fuel-powered drone

Energy source

Lithium-ion or smart battery

2-stroke gasoline engine

Flight duration

15-25 minutes per charge

30-40 minutes per refill

Operating cost

Lower, no fuel needed

Higher due to fuel consumption

Maintenance

Easier, less mechanical wear

More parts to maintain

Environment

No CO₂ emissions

Smoke and noise pollution

Overall, battery-powered spraying drone are an optimal choice for small and medium farms thanks to their low operating costs and eco-friendly performance.

Evaluating the investment cost of battery-powered spraying drone

Average prices of current battery-powered spraying drones

The price of battery-powered spraying drone ranges from 120 to 300 million VND, depending on the brand, tank size, and battery technology.

  • Basic models (10-15 liters): 95-120 million VND.
  • Mid-range models (20-25 liters): 120-200 million VND.
  • High-end models (30-50 liters): 200-250 million VND.
  • Premium models (70-100 liters): 250-350 million VND.

Users also need 2-3 spare batteries and a fast charger to ensure continuous operation.

Factors affecting the price of battery-powered drones

Drone pricing depends on several factors:

  • Battery capacity - larger batteries increase flight time but raise cost.
  • RTK and sensor technology - improves precision but adds 10-20% to cost.
  • Brand - premium agricultural brands like DJI cost more due to durability and support.
  • Accessories - fast chargers, smart batteries, dual pumps, obstacle sensors.

Cost comparison between battery-powered and fuel-powered drones

Category

Battery-powered drone

Fuel-powered drone

Initial investment

Higher (battery cost)

Lower

Operating cost

Cheaper, no fuel

Higher due to fuel

Regular maintenance

Minimal, battery checks only

Frequent, needs oil and filters

Average lifespan

3-5 years

2-3 years

Although the initial investment is higher, battery-powered spraying drone offer long-term savings in operation and superior durability.

Operating performance of battery-powered spraying drone

Battery capacity and average flight time per charge

A battery-powered spraying drone usually has a battery capacity of 12,000-25,000 mAh, allowing continuous flight for 15-25 minutes depending on payload. With DJI smart batteries, drones can spray over 10-15 hectares per day when using 3 batteries in rotation.

For best results, operators should regularly check remaining capacity and avoid discharging below 20%, which shortens battery life.

Effects of payload and weather conditions on battery performance

Battery efficiency is influenced by:

  • Payload weight - heavier loads reduce flight time.
  • Temperature - optimal range: 20-30°C.
  • Wind and terrain - strong winds or slopes increase energy consumption.

In hot or humid conditions, batteries should rest between flights to prevent overheating.

Estimating pesticide spraying cost per hectare

To estimate actual costs when using battery-powered spraying drone:

  • Electricity to charge batteries: ~3,000-5,000 VND per charge.
  • Pesticides: varies by crop (20,000-40,000 VND per spray).
  • Equipment depreciation: average 20-25 million VND per year.

→ The total cost to spray 1 hectare is only 40,000-60,000 VND, about 50% cheaper than manual spraying.

How to choose the right battery-powered spraying drone

Identify farm scale and spraying needs before buying

Before investing in a battery-powered spraying drone, determine your farm size and usage frequency:

  • Under 10 ha: 10-15L drone, easy to operate.
  • 10-30 ha: 20-25L drone, quick battery swap, high productivity.
  • Over 30 ha: invest in 30-40L drones like DJI T40 for best performance.

Prioritize reputable drone brands

Leading brands like DJI Agras offer smart batteries with high capacity, fast charging, and excellent stability. Choose drones with obstacle sensors, autonomous mapping, and official warranty to ensure long-term efficiency and safety.

Check battery capacity and quick-swap capability

Battery quality determines the drone’s lifespan. When purchasing, check:

  • Battery capacity (≥18,000 mAh) for steady flight time.
  • Quick-swap design allowing full charge in 10-15 minutes.
  • Use official DJI batteries to avoid explosion or performance loss.

Benefits of using battery-powered spraying drones in agriculture

Saving fuel and reducing long-term operating costs

One of the main advantages of battery-powered spraying drone is fuel savings compared to gasoline drones. Battery drones run fully on electricity, reducing fuel use and saving 30-40% of annual operation costs.

Electricity for charging costs only a fraction of fuel expenses, while batteries can last up to 1,000 charging cycles with proper maintenance-helping farmers recover their investment after just 1-2 seasons.

Reducing emissions and protecting health

Unlike fuel-powered drones, battery-powered spraying drone produce no CO₂ emissions or exhaust fumes. This ensures cleaner, quieter operation and aligns with sustainable farming practices.

Operators also remain at a safe distance during spraying, minimizing chemical exposure and promoting long-term health.

Easy maintenance, safe operation, and beginner-friendly

With simplified design and intelligent control, battery-powered spraying drone are easier to operate than fuel-engine types. Most users can learn safe operation in 1-2 training sessions.

Maintenance is simple-clean nozzles, inspect batteries, follow proper charging, and update RTK software. The absence of combustion engines reduces mechanical wear and risk of fire or vibration damage.

Tips to extend the lifespan of spraying drone batteries

Charge properly to prevent swelling and overheating

Battery care is crucial for battery-powered spraying drone:

  • Use original chargers with temperature sensors.
  • Let the battery cool 10-15 minutes after flying.
  • Avoid frequent charging above 95%.
  • Do not discharge below 10%.

Following these rules keeps batteries at over 90% efficiency after 500+ cycles.

Store in dry, temperature-stable conditions

Store drone batteries in dry environments at 15-25°C away from sunlight. For long-term storage, maintain 50-60% charge to avoid swelling or degradation.

During humid seasons, use anti-moisture boxes or silica gel bags to prevent corrosion and oxidation.

Regular inspection and replacement schedule

Manufacturers like DJI recommend checking every 100 charging cycles to ensure stable voltage. Replace batteries showing fast discharge, overheating, or 20% capacity loss to prevent accidents. Proper maintenance helps battery-powered drones maintain peak flight performance during busy seasons.

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Recommended battery-powered spraying drone models

High-performance DJI T50, T70P, and T100 drones

Models like DJI T50, T70P, and T100 set the benchmark for battery-powered spraying drones:

  • DJI T50: 20L capacity, 25,000 mAh battery, 18-minute flight, ideal for rice fields.
  • DJI T70P: Upgraded LiDAR sensors, 360° obstacle avoidance, 10 ha/hour efficiency.
  • DJI T100: 40L tank, dual 16 L/min pumps, effective for uneven terrains.

All use smart lithium batteries with 10-15-minute fast charging-ideal for large-scale farms.

Mid-range drones for small farms

For farms under 20 ha, mid-range battery-powered spraying drones like DJI T20P or T25P are excellent options.

Advantages include:

  • Lightweight, easy to move.
  • Investment cost: 150-180 million VND.
  • Simple operation, quick battery swap.

DJI T50 and T70P are also popular for cooperatives due to stable performance and low maintenance costs, suited to Vietnamese farm conditions.

Conclusion on choosing battery-powered spraying drones

When should you invest in a battery-powered spraying drone?

Farmers should consider battery-powered spraying drone when:

  • Farm size ≥10 ha.
  • Spraying required 2-3 times/month.
  • Aiming for lower operating cost and safer labor.

Battery drones are best suited for areas with stable electricity and environmental goals.

Balancing cost and practical efficiency

To optimize investment:

  • Calculate initial cost (drone + spare batteries).
  • Estimate yearly charging and maintenance.
  • Evaluate average spraying efficiency per hectare.

A battery drone can save 40-50% in operating cost versus fuel types, ensuring a full return on investment within two growing seasons.

Toward sustainable agricultural drone investment

Using battery-powered spraying drone is not only economical but also aligns with precision and low-emission agriculture. Combined with AI, crop data, and GIS mapping, these drones are key tools in Vietnam’s digital farming transition.

Smart investments in the right model and proper maintenance unlock both economic and environmental benefits.

FAQ about battery-powered spraying drone

How far can a battery-powered spraying drone spray per flight?

Depending on the model and battery capacity, it can spray 1-3 hectares per flight, lasting 15-25 minutes under normal conditions.

Can the drone batteries be charged using regular household electricity?

Yes. Most battery-powered spraying drones support 220V home charging using certified chargers with thermal sensors and voltage stabilizers.

How many spare batteries should operators prepare?

At least 2-3 spare batteries are recommended to maintain continuous operation and efficient daily spraying.

Are battery-powered spraying drones suitable for small or hilly farms?

Yes. Models like DJI T10, T20P, and T25P adapt to small or uneven fields with automatic altitude adjustments.

What is the average lifespan of spraying drone batteries?

With proper charging and storage, battery-powered drone batteries last 800-1,000 charge cycles, equivalent to 3-5 years of stable use.