Deciding on work vehicle

[veloman]

I have a similar cargo rack as pictured above. Yes, that is a likely setup with a car.

As for the gasoline burned in a Prius, yes I may burn up to a half gallon a day, which would power a gas mower for a few hours. BUT, there is a very big difference in emissions from a Prius and a lawn mower. The Prius is a SULEV as stated above. Carbon coming out may be the same as when burned in a mower, but the dirty bad stuff is waaay less. Small gas engines are horrible polluters concerning carcinogens and other nasty particles. This is the basis for why I believe so much in electric yard tools.

I use all battery equipment. Most of my batteries are older, from ebike use, all lithium. I charge about half the time from my tiny rooftop solar panel I built, and the other from the wall which is effectively TX wind power generated. I never use the customers electricity.

If I did get a truck, I would possibly mount some solar panels I recently got as the attention grabber stated above. Yes, not cost effective with new panels and controller, but good advertising. Also would help boost how many yards I can do in a day.

I've read about a guy on Prius chat who did convert one to a truck. Seems like a ton of work and some real challenges to overcome. It still would be neat.

All of this is still leading me to using a 2nd gen Prius with cargo rack in back, and a trailer for those cleanup days. It is easily the most efficient gas vehicle and 3x better than any truck in the city. I can't feel bad about that.

Today I used my ebike for some nearby jobs. I had someone ask for my card while I was stopped at a yard sale. (I have signs on the bike too). Sometimes I get fans while stopped at a red light. But yes, I understand a bike and trailer makes me less professional looking.

I think a Prius with a nice graphic wrap job with my business info would look professional. I am not a conventional business model, so I think it's okay to be a little different. It's better than riding around in a dirty old beat up pickup as I see many mowing guys do.

One other thing - I could possible integrate my emotorcycle battery into a Prius to get more EV mileage, possible 15-20 if I stay on slow streets. Many days, that is as far as I go. (It's 70v, 60ah Leaf modules. I would probably get a convertor to keep the hybrid battery at it's 60% mark. I think I heard about people making the Prius run in ev mode longer?)

[veloman]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

Thinking on this a bit more, you'll likely want a truck if you plan to grow the business at all. Maybe someone wants you to mulch their flower beds? Or run an aerator on their yard? Till their garden? Haul away sticks?

You are right, I've thought about this. I did just buy a wood chipper to reduce volume of branches and will build a leaf shredder. That's sort of where a trailer would come in handy. I know I'm limited to about 1500lbs if towing with a Prius. So I would give up the ability to most stone landscaping, sod, or other heavy work.

My business model does give up some things though. I just can't see driving a full size truck and trailer, getting 10mpg every day.

[vskid3]

Originally Posted by veloman

One other thing - I could possible integrate my emotorcycle battery into a Prius to get more EV mileage, possible 15-20 if I stay on slow streets. Many days, that is as far as I go. (It's 70v, 60ah Leaf modules. I would probably get a convertor to keep the hybrid battery at it's 60% mark. I think I heard about people making the Prius run in ev mode longer?)

There's the Enginer plug-in kit for the Prius. I've read mixed reviews about them and I don't know if they sell them anymore. I think most of the issues were battery and BMS related, so if you just used their converter with a solid battery, you should be ok. I would check ebay and PriusChat's for sale section for a used setup.

[slowmover]

Must be some small yards. And given the heat of Texas summer I'd want AC. While it may be high price, one of the small Ford Transit vans would be ideal, IMO. Can pull a trailer behind it for clean up work, and in the meantime, tools and such are locked away inside.

Today's gas vehicles are neatly silent and unbelievably clean emissions wise. I would think customers would appreciate you are working your way towards a business vehicle perfectly suited.

In the meantime, I'd use the idea that even on a humid day that your service is unaccompanied by noise or fumes.

[oldtamiyaphile]

The interesting thing about the Prius is it can also be used as a gasoline generator with a plug out conversion kit (still far quieter and less polutey than a standard genset). That could save your bacon if you find yourself without site power and one battery charge short of completing the job. In fact you could probably charge a few batteries off the Prius HV battery without need for the ICE at all.

Buy an all aluminium trailer, the Prius is only intended to carry 800lbs all up (driver and cargo). Alu trailers in a 6x4 start from around 160lbs.

I've thought about converting my Prius for work as well, but I'd go with something more like the Prius camper:

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=p...KcWq0gTG-Z24BQ

But a bit less extreme.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by veloman

I think a Prius with a nice graphic wrap job with my business info would look professional. I am not a conventional business model, so I think it's okay to be a little different. It's better than riding around in a dirty old beat up pickup as I see many mowing guys do.

The Prius is probably the most recognizable eco-friendly car to most people. It might be the right choice for an unconventional lawn care business if it can haul everything you need. An EV-converted pickup would be more practical, but you would look just like every other lawn care business.

[redpoint5]

The lady that sold me the dirt said it was 1800 lbs per yard. The Prius handled it fine, although it was slow to accelerate.

[ME_Andy]

This sounds like an awesome idea! What area of Austin are you in? (Don't need my lawn mowed though... I'm also a mustachian)

[veloman]

Central, centered around 78751. Message me if you'd like to meet up.

I can tow 200lbs with my 75lb ebike which has rim brakes. I'd like to think an automobile could tow a minimum of 2000lbs without problems assuming the driver is cautious and has reasonable expectations.

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by veloman

Central, centered around 78751. Message me if you'd like to meet up.

I can tow 200lbs with my 75lb ebike which has rim brakes. I'd like to think an automobile could tow a minimum of 2000lbs without problems assuming the driver is cautious and has reasonable expectations.

Not necessarily disagreeing with this but, i once saw a ford ranger pulling a 40' fifth wheel trailer full of double stacked round hay bales. Anything can pull anything, stop and control it? ...maybe not. Not sure what the fine is for being over the plate rating, especially with what would be a commercial vehicle.