Which spraying drone is better gas or battery

In recent years, agricultural spraying drones have become a modern alternative to manual labor in crop protection. From small farms to large-scale operations, unmanned aerial technology has significantly boosted efficiency and reduced chemical exposure. However, many farmers and investors struggle when choosing between gasoline-powered spraying drones and battery-based models.

This isn’t just about selecting a piece of equipment - it ties into your farming model, available budget, maintenance capacity, and geographic conditions. A detailed comparison is essential to understand the decisive factors and make the right investment.

Key comparison criteria: gasoline vs battery-powered spraying drones

To conduct a fair and practical comparison, we use core criteria that directly impact performance and cost-effectiveness. These benchmarks are commonly recommended by agricultural engineers and drone specialists:

• Spraying performance & flight time: Affects the area covered per flight, spray speed, and accuracy.
• Long-Term operating costs: Includes fuel/electricity, maintenance, and replacement parts.
• Continuous operation capability: Especially vital for large fields - gasoline refuels quickly, while batteries require recharging downtime.
• Durability & component lifespan: Gas engines need more frequent maintenance; batteries have a limited charge cycle.
• Terrain adaptability: Key in remote or off-grid areas.
• Environmental & safety impact: CO2 emissions, noise, vibration levels, and user safety.

These criteria reflect not only technical specifications but also real-world user experience.

Performance and cost analysis: gas vs battery-powered drones

If you've ever stood in a field mid-season, relying on uninterrupted operation, you'll understand why the "gas vs battery" question matters. Let’s explore the technical and financial details.

Spraying efficiency in real conditions

• Gasoline-powered drones have significantly higher power. A mid-range unit can spray 20–30 hectares per day, with flight times of up to 40 minutes per tank - almost double that of most battery drones.
• Battery-powered drones usually fly for 10–25 minutes per charge. To match gas drones in productivity, you’ll need 2–3 battery sets and a fast-charging station - raising total cost.

Long-term operating costs

Criteria	Gasoline Drone	Battery Drone
Fuel / Energy	~25,000–30,000 VND/liter of A92 fuel	220V charging: ~2,000–3,000 VND/charge
Maintenance	Regular service: spark plugs, filters, oil	Battery replacement after ~300 cycles (6–12 months)
Component Lifespan	3–5 years if maintained well	Battery typically lasts 1–1.5 years
2-Year Total Cost	~90–120 million VND (fuel + maintenance)	~120–140 million VND (battery + charger costs)

While fuel seems more expensive at first glance, battery-powered drones can become costlier in the long run due to battery lifecycle and infrastructure needs.

Prep time & workflow continuity

• Gasoline drones require just a few minutes to refuel and resume work.
• Battery drones need 30–60 minutes to fully recharge a battery, requiring at least 3 batteries and a fast charger to maintain a seamless operation.

Weight and handling

• Battery-powered drones are 10–20% lighter, ideal for beginners.
• Gasoline drones support larger spray tanks (10–30L per flight), covering wider areas efficiently.

Advantages, disadvantages & risks of each type

Choosing a spraying drone is more than a technical decision - it involves safety, usability, and environmental factors.

Pros of gasoline-powered drones

• High performance and longer flight time
• No reliance on power grid - ideal for remote areas
• Lower battery/charger investment
• Easier to maintain with widely available parts

Cons of gasoline-powered drones

• Loud noise, CO2 emissions - needs well-ventilated areas
• Requires basic engine knowledge
• Heavier and harder to control

Pros of battery-powered drones

• Quiet, low vibration, eco-friendly
• Easy to operate - great for beginners
• Ideal for small farms or near power sources

Cons of battery-powered drones

• Limited flight time, high battery demand
• Improper charging can shorten battery life
• Expensive if investing in extra batteries and chargers

Common risks

• Battery Explosion: Overheating or improper charging under direct sunlight
• Fuel Leakage: From loose caps or improper handling
• Warranty Rejection: When misused or imported without proper documentation (common with cheap, unbranded drones)

Which drone type should you choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision depends on your farm scale, location, investment level, and technical capability. Here are practical scenarios:

For large farms (>20 ha per session)

• Recommendation: Gasoline drone
• Why: Longer flight time, faster spraying, not grid-dependent
• Suggested Models: Yamaha Fazer R, DJI Agras T50 (gasoline)

Mountainous or remote areas

• Recommendation: Gasoline drone
• Why: No reliable electricity; gas enables continuous use

High-tech, eco-certified farms

• Recommendation: Battery drone
• Why: Low emissions, minimal noise, easy operation - meets organic or GlobalGAP standards

New drone users

• Recommendation: Battery drone
• Why: Lightweight, stable, beginner-friendly

Professional spraying service providers

• Recommendation: Combine gas and battery drones
• Why: Maximize flexibility and ensure no downtime

If unsure, start with a compact battery drone (7–10L) and consider upgrading to gasoline once usage frequency increases.

Investment & legal considerations

Understanding both the investment and legal framework is crucial for proper, compliant use.

1. Initial investment

Item	Gasoline Drone	Battery Drone
Base Price (10–20L)	~120–160 million VND	~100–130 million VND
Essential Accessories	Fuel tank, filters, spare parts	2–3 spare batteries, fast charger
Total Initial Cost	~150–180 million VND	~130–160 million VND

While gasoline drones cost more upfront, their performance may shorten ROI periods with regular use.

2. Yearly maintenance cost

• Gas Drone: Oil, spark plugs, hoses – ~8–10 million VND/year
• Battery Drone: Battery replacement – ~12–18 million VND/year

3. Legal requirements in Vietnam

Under Circular 19/2019/TT-BGTVT and Decision 18/2021/QĐ-TTg, all agricultural drones must:

• Be declared to the Department of Military Operations
• Operate only in permitted zones (away from airports/military zones)
• Have a usage certificate or pilot training proof for drones >25kg

Some provinces (e.g., Lâm Đồng, Tiền Giang) ban unauthorized drone spraying due to airspace safety risks.

Import warnings

• Improper customs declaration can lead to seizure
• No clear origin = no warranty
• Incompatible chargers may cause battery fires

Always buy from authorized dealers (DJI, Yamaha, SunDrone) for legal paperwork, training, and safety guidance.

Special use cases & smart selection tips

Even with all the data, real-life use can present unique challenges. Consider these special scenarios:

Fragmented farmland (with ditches or trees)

Small 10–12L battery drones with semi-auto mode for precision and maneuverability

Spraying in wet or muddy terrain

Battery drones with solar charging at fixed points; IP67-rated models recommended

Renting instead of buying

Use service providers with high-capacity gasoline drones - saves time and avoids technical risks

Spraying + seeding or fertilizing

Only gasoline drones support high payload rotary spreaders; battery models lack endurance for this mode

Urban or residential proximity

Battery drones with low noise motors; spray early morning or late afternoon to minimize disruption

Maintenance tips

Component	Gasoline Drone	Battery Drone
Engine	Service every 30–50 flight hours	N/A (just monitor ESCs)
Battery	N/A	Store at 50%, avoid overcharging if unused
Sprayer	Clean after every use	Same for both types
Long-Term Storage	Drain fuel, store dry	Store battery at 50%, avoid heat/light

No matter your choice, drone handling skills and technical knowledge are vital to maximize device lifespan and cut costs.

Gasoline-powered spraying drones clearly excel in performance and field endurance - ideal for large farms or areas with no electricity. In contrast, battery-powered drones are better for beginners, small farms, or eco-regulated operations.

Choose based on your farm size, budget, and regional infrastructure to achieve optimal results. If unsure, start with a compact battery drone or rent a service before making a major investment.