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veloman · 10-22-2016, 03:12 PM

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?)

10-22-2016, 03:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
veloman EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin TX Posts: 72 Thanks: 19 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	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?)