I own the old single stage Ego snowblower. It performs exactly the same as the gas powered equivalents it was designed to replace (one of which I owned previously), without any of the headaches associated with small ICE maintenance.

I have no experience with the new, larger 2 stage model, but I suspect its performance is on par with its gas powered equivalents.

The old model is perfectly sufficient for my needs - about 1,000 sq ft of driveway and sidewalk in the Chicago area. I don’t know if the new model will suffice for your situation, but you should not dismiss this option simply because it’s battery powered. There is no miracle snowblower solution to the hard ice pack problem you referenced - ICE or otherwise. That situation requires a tile scraper and elbow grease.

Current battery technology is capable of powering a best in class pick up truck (check out the F150 lightning), so nobody should be surprised that it can power a decent snowblower.

I have entirely replaced my small fleet of ICEs with battery powered tools. Mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws. All of these tools work flawlessly, and I have no need to store and track any fuels, lubricants or additives, which deteriorate and evaporate, and eventually become a headache to dispose of. I will also never visit another small engine repair shop to deal with the inevitable spring start up problems that accompany seasonal landscaping equipment.

If you conclude that you need an ICE for your application, I agree completely that Honda is likely to be best in class.