I Bring a Lawn Trailer to an ELECTRIC Car Show In MIAMI - Electrify Expo

[@benc1927]

I am amazed that eGO did not pay for all your equipment, let alone pay for you to be there showcasing all their gear. I respect your dedication- I see a cybertruck in your future!

[@solarpunksteve]

Haha I did get asked a few times if EGO was paying me. Not yet anyway, but maybe I should reach out and see what they think about some sort of relationship. They probably don’t even know I exist.

[@JohnSiler]

I think they do now. @@solarpunksteve

[@benc1927]

@@solarpunksteve If they're not willing to sponsor you it would be neat to wire up a larger capacity Lithium-Iron-Phosphate battery on your zero turn since you're giving it commercial level use. I can't imagine those indivual eGO batteries can take that level of use for very long. I have accumulated a small pile of dead eGO batteries myself.

[@solarpunksteve]

I kind of want to do that regardless haha. So far my EGO batteries are continuing to function so I'm happy about that.

[@wrefk]

​@@solarpunksteve I think the other commenter might have a good point, those ego batteries are insane pricing, ~1000$/kwh

[@CorvetteAustin24]

Just being there and getting the idea into people's heads for what you can do going all electric is a great thing! Ego really needs to get in touch with you! Would be such a powerful marketing campaign for them.

[@solarpunksteve]

Yeah thats what electrify expo and I were thinking when we were talking about the idea of me coming down. Glad I did and it was fun! Lots of positive interest from the public. Even had a few lawn and landscaping professionals chat with me and were blown away by the setup.

[@CorvetteAustin24]

@@solarpunksteve you basically created the ideal setup first go, so bravo to you!

[@vell0cet517]

We're rooting for you. Your company is such a great concept. Wishing you all of the success.

[@solarpunksteve]

Hey thanks! It's really cool hearing from people trying similar things or being inspired by what I've shown, that was the whole point of starting a KZbin channel!

[@flaviosilva6102]

I think people saw the trailer as an inspiration for other businesses (maintenance, food, etc.). This type of event is very good, you were one of the first to have this idea, we will certainly soon see many people with even better ideas.

[@solarpunksteve]

Looking forward to seeing what others do with the idea in the future!

[@ev-mojo]

The fact that you were contacted by the Tesla Cybertruck development team speaks volumes about the impact you're making. You're proving that electric power isn't just about cars, it's about a whole new way of living. I'm excited to see how your business grows and how you continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with electric power.

[@Nifty-Stuff]

eGO should 100% be sponsoring you and paying you to drive your trailer to tons of shows / events!!!

[@solarpunksteve]

Haha let's hope they say something similar 😉

[@delta250a]

What a great thing to be invited to. It's awesome you got to show it off!

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! I had fun even though it wasn't something directly related to my lawn care business. Was lots of fun seeing people excited about the idea and setup!

[@BlazeTomBay]

Dude EGO should most definitely sponsor you. You did a great job showcasing all their products. I even bought the blower.

[@LawnCareBusinessSuccess]

Looks like it was a fun adventure. Very cool setup!

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! Video was long overdue but I suppose better late than never.

[@LittleSpot]

In my eyes your setup is amazing. I use this kind of setup on my camper and in summertime I can live completely lpg free. And you are able to generate a lot of your needed energy by yourself, for running such a needed job. I like it a lot and it is cool that you can show it to other people in such exhibitions. Great work.

[@solarpunksteve]

Oh that's awesome you use something similar on your camper! I do like how quiet everything is and I can imagine that's pretty nice when you're out there camping. Thanks for the support!

[@RoninXiC]

I'M so happy for you ;D Love the videos!

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! It was a strange experience for me being invited to something like that based on my small KZbin channel I only started a short while before. But I had fun!

[@cglan_9748]

You should print an informational panel about your business on some poster board. That way you can stand it up at shows next to the trailer and not get mistaken as a eGo rep lol. I bet this was great outreach for the business, that setup truly deserves the recognition.

[@solarpunksteve]

I tried but didn’t have time before the show, I did however put up a paper & photo with details but most people were happy to just talk/ask questions. I tried to look non-threatening lol. Made some connections and was cool that some people at the show already knew my videos lol. That’s a strange feeling I must admit.

[@GOVAUS1]

You are and should be an inspiration for many! Great video.

[@solarpunksteve]

Wow, thank you!

[@WillS-x9y]

love the innovation, love spirit. However, it’s a niche. It’s cool that you found it and hope you have fun with it.

[@kindredcouches]

Good ole Wawa! (Hello from PA). Inspiring setup, Id' love to go all electric for my couch flipping pickups and deliveries.

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! The Tesla Model Y is a fantastic (and relatively affordable) electric vehicle capable of hauling stuff (up to 3500lbs) in a trailer if that is the sort of couch flipping you're talking about. If you're driving for business the milage deduction is pretty amazing if you're able to charge from home. And I love that I can unhitch the trailer and I have a reasonably sized vehicle that's comfortable, quiet, and roadtrips great. Anyway, just a thought.

[@jaden3555]

Your videos are great love watching them please post more

[@solarpunksteve]

Thank you! They take a lot of editing (time) but I enjoy the process. Trying to get faster so I can make more.

[@robertpowellj]

Looks like you had a great event! Way to go enlightening people!

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Steve! Thanks for making it.

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! The event was fun and so was editing the video!

[@KiwiShoot]

Nice editing and nice story telling.

[@solarpunksteve]

Thank you! It is something I do care about but it takes a long time.

[@ET_Videos]

That's awesome!!

[@Bob_Sacamano]

great video!

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks!

[@detailzbyD]

Keep doing your thing bro. Let them come to you. It's coming

[@solarpunksteve]

Imma just keep on keeping on.

[@nousegoingjustgo]

Awesome video! Great setup!

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! I had fun!

[@ironborg6405]

Awesome work man

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks borg!

[@Roll2Videos]

You've done a great job with your channel. Happy to follow along 👍

[@solarpunksteve]

Thank you! Glad I can entertain! Feel free to drop recommendations for content! I’m trying to speed up my workflow.

[@Pillazo]

They should have a made a reward just for you man! Also EGO should sponsor you, you were doing their marketing job for them!

[@solarpunksteve]

Would have been cool, but that’s ok, going and meeting people/making connections was reward enough.

[@MauroMundoLol]

im thinking about starting the same project i already have a bunch of ego equipment all i need to get is a trailer and the battery and inverter thanks for all the info

[@solarpunksteve]

Hey thanks for checking out the channel. Glad I could be of some help. I’m doing what I can to finish editing the build video.. takes a long time to sort through all my old footage but making headway! Hopefully that can provide some more insights for you when I manage to get it released.

[@europana7]

Would a bubble deflector at the front of your trailer make your trailer more aerodynamic?

[@solarpunksteve]

Probably, but most of my use case is around town, so would be a lot of effort to add something like that when I almost never go on the highway. Except for random shows like this one in Miami haha.

[@coreyverisario6570]

This is how it starts man. Keep it up. might have to go to places like this and stand out to be seen by the bigger companies. Looked like fun though. Glad it went well for you. I like your videos and what your showing the public about EVs and other electric items. I have EGO and a model y as well. It would be cool to have a use for that trailer as well.

[@danielseven2094]

At 3:28 was that Cleetus McFarland (racing KZbinr) that spoke to you?

[@solarpunksteve]

No don’t think so. Would have been pretty crazy!

[@ShinyMooTank]

You need some kind of sign beside your trailer that screams Hey look at my booth.

[@solarpunksteve]

Yeah it was a bit rushed to get down there and since it was ~250 miles from my home, I wasn't really looking for lawn care clients so I didn't try to advertise my services. I was there as part of the "show-off" category of cars and I took the opportunity to direct people to my KZbin channel and just answer questions they had. It was fun!

[@CorvetteAustin24]

@@solarpunksteve I think you have a solid franchise concept if you ever decide to go that route! If you need help setting anything up in that regards, feel free to reach out.

[@ep411]

Wish my model 3 could tow so I could make a set up like yours but all Ryobi then ill park next to you at events lol

[@solarpunksteve]

I believe it can! You can install an aftermarket hitch if I’m not mistaken, although the tow weight is less, around 2,200lbs. I’ve seen some people using a model 3 or model Y with the push mower and equipment in the back, no trailer. Or a little hitch type cargo thing to carry the push mower outside the trunk.

[@ep411]

@@solarpunksteve damn if you were local we could meet up to chat more. Have a family landscaping business for 25yrs now and would be awesome to see your set up in person and see how a transition could help.

[@thomasfriedmann8522]

Good for people to see that this can all be done electric.

[@solarpunksteve]

Anything is possible if you've first seen someone else do it ;)

[@jfrog5440]

It was great to meet you there!

[@solarpunksteve]

Hey you too! Thanks for coming out and sorry it took so long for me to get this video out haha.

[@jfrog5440]

@@solarpunksteve It's all good, your a busy guy!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Cool. Too bad they don't have many pull through charging stations for trailers.

[@solarpunksteve]

I had hoped they would be ramping up installation with the rollout of Cybertruck but I honestly haven’t seen much anywhere that has pull-through. Not even one or two off to the side. Just don’t think it’s on their priority list.

[@Leti86]

Keep up the good work

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks, will do!

[@swampcastle8142]

Nice job.

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! I had a fun time.

[@SnowingNapalm]

i love 💕 that you weren't actually for any company just "hey guys look i built this" and Tesla rep is like" bruh bring it to the show we need your individual style and variety" ❤ too bad there's no trailer charge/use while driving port for towing options like both sides chargeports front back but always diagonally either way you put to cover more area reaching the astronomically short charge cables ... and maybe a 3rd towhitch charge spot i mean it could follow the safety chains or something or ride above side whatever you know? and not just solar expansion but multi packing it adding additional range cells to trailer without interrupting the use or flow of the tool I'll call it

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks! Yeah it would be pretty cool to be able to either pull power from the Tesla or help charge the car while driving. But ultimately things are working well how they are.

[@djgarland7974]

Have you ever looked at the advantages of a v-nose trailer? Maybe being more aerodynamic would help with your range? Love the videos and the business.

[@solarpunksteve]

If I were to get a new trailer I think I would do V-nose mainly for the extra space inside for no extra length, but they don’t actually offer much in the way of aerodynamics unfortunately. Thanks for the support! Means a lot.

[@jetah50]

If you intend to do these in the future, you might want to have some signs made that explain the idea/concept of what they're looking at. Even having a sign with estimated total cost and ROI with using solar vs the estimated gas cost.

[@LJLion]

What kinda solar panels do you have on that trailer?

[@solarpunksteve]

Link is in the description! They are from Rich Solar: 200w 24V

[@NextGenEvs]

Any plans to upgrade to a Cybertruck??

[@solarpunksteve]

Checking the app every day for the VIN to pop up. Not sure if I'll pull the trigger on it when it does, but I keep checking it lol

[@qapla]

Nice video. Putting a set of solar panels on the passenger side of your trailer that would work vertical when you are driving and make a swing-up awning when you are working would double your charging capacity. I would love to see your setup. Looks like you are about 2 hours south of me. Maybe one of these days, if I can make it down to your area, I could see you using your equipment on the job - let me know

[@AWDTalon92]

Yes, you were out of place, not because you were a home built, solar charging, battery only lawn care trailer, but because you were the only one! I saw you, and as I kept walking around I wondered where all the other trailers, or at the very least unique showcases of EV tech like yours were. The EE organizers need to get on the ball!

[@solarpunksteve]

Hey thanks! Really cool you were there and saw me! One of my favorite comments at the show was from a woman who was from Batteries+ out scouting around. She said she was about to leave the show when someone mentioned my setup and she came all the way back to find me and said "this is the only thing here that makes any sense." Hahaha

[@blaststars37]

Gotta call up EGO now and use this video as an example to draft a deal for next time 👍 good stuff

[@solarpunksteve]

Good point, not a bad way to approach them!

[@Ghostanon404]

Might need the white fire extinguisher for a battery fire 😅

[@solarpunksteve]

Honestly not sure any fire extinguisher is going to put out a proper lithium ion battery fire. If one of those EGO batteries goes my best bet is kicking it out the door onto the ground somewhere. The fire extinguisher is probably more likely to be used trying to put out a fire from something else lol.

[@justaguyfromreddit]

cool video!

[@solarpunksteve]

Cheers! Glad I could entertain.

[@cjhan47]

Why the model Y rather than the F-150 lightning? That seems more purpose built to fit your use case.

[@solarpunksteve]

I bought the Model Y before the lightning was available (and it was a lot cheaper when it did come out). But I am considering something different to expand the business. We shall see!

[@alexhulinsky7954]

How many miles did you get on a charge on the highway with the trailer? I'm sure you answered this before, but I didn't see you take it on the freeway before.

[@solarpunksteve]

So this was my first long road trip with the trailer. It seemed like cruising at ~65mph consumes about 1% per mile, so roughly 100 miles of range. Once I was a little further south towards Miami, traffic kept me from going more than 50-60 and range slightly improved. But to go the 250 miles it took two charging sessions.

[@SolarTechFL]

There is a few meangreen mowers on the fb marketplace now in fl

[@solarpunksteve]

Oh yeah? I don’t have Facebook so I don’t usually check that. What are the going prices?

[@jeffreyabercrombie]

I want your dinosaur shirt 😂

[@solarpunksteve]

It’s one of my favorites haha. Gets some interesting looks lol.

[@takeoffmyshoes]

So cool still. Would you add a bigger battery in the future?

[@solarpunksteve]

For sure! Then I could have nice things like air conditioning or something haha. But it’s expensive to add more battery, so I think having a system that can be expanded down the line makes the most sense. And technically I can do that with what I have, but my trailer can’t take too much more weight.

[@AnthonyBove]

Dude, more videos please! Even if it’s just a Timelapse of you doing a yard… we’ve all been mesmerized by videos of someone power washing a rug 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@solarpunksteve]

Doing what I can! I’m a little too much of a perfectionist to just post a simple Timelapse, but who knows, maybe I should give it a try sometime just to see what happens 🤷‍♂️

[@AnthonyBove]

@@solarpunksteve Yea man, a little bit of royalty free music and a nice relaxing to watch solarpunk lawn care would be a nice little video

[@raulgutierrez5862]

As if those electric cars aren't parked next to a lawn somewhere. I'd pass out business cards.

[@solarpunksteve]

I passed out cards with my social media channels on it, but since I was ~250 miles from home, I wasn't exactly looking for lawn care clients haha. If my small town had events like this, I would definitely be passing out business cards!

[@raulgutierrez5862]

​@@solarpunksteveI'm sure someone(s) will offer to pay you good money to solar-rig their trailer. You'll soon be doing more of that than the lawn care I think.

[@ausnorman8050]

Great video! How many kwh per 100miles towing the trailer? :)

[@94Gidge]

Looks like you have a bent axle on that trailer

[@solarpunksteve]

I used to. I replaced it a while ago but never got new tires. I should have, but luckily they lasted until now.

[@SelfMadeThousandaire]

Ego needs to sponsor you.

[@solarpunksteve]

Maybe! Would be interesting, although I would want to remain free to talk about their equipment honestly and also be able to use/compare other equipment.

[@TechyRodsWire]

could the trailer charge the tesla while driving?

[@gojdff]

I give you all of my support Pal, hopefully gas blowers will be banned someday!

[@gordonmedley]

Was that Cletus?

[@solarpunksteve]

I don’t believe it was, but I’m not familiar with him, hadn’t heard of him before someone else asked the same thing.

[@jetsamjetsam]

it's ingenious

[@justine_vuong]

I really like your system. However, if I can comment, I find that it is still not really optimal. You can choose 550W solar panels and use a 5kW hybrid inverter. Combined with 2 100Ah battery packs (total 10kW of power) With 8 550W panels it will produce a theoretical capacity of 4.4kWh and with a 5kW inverter you will have more load. I think it will help you better.

[@solarpunksteve]

I would love to have more power, but it has to actually fit on top of the trailer. Sometimes a larger panels means you actually can’t fit as much solar as a smaller panel. These panels maximize the amount of solar I can actually fit without overhanging anything or having a complex sliding mechanism. Anyway, I’ve got ideas for future builds!

[@tompointdll]

You definately should do a partnership with Ego i'm sure if you ask them via mail they would be more than happy :)

[@solarpunksteve]

Thanks, I'm definitely thinking about it!

[@racingtogreen2023]

It's interesting. I don't know that people have wrapped their heads around how going solar can be a personal financial decision. For you, it's enabling a business that may be able to run hyper-efficient in some costs. For us, it's been building small micro-grid off grid systems that chip away at our energy bills, shooting for a 4-6 year payback. For our EV, it will mean free fuel, essentially, in 4-5 years. I think it's really difficult to get the average American to look more than one year in the future. With the readybuilt generators coming out, it's starting to be simplified so people that don't want to get into the weeds...( lol, pun not intended) can do it, but those systems can be expensive, and if they fail, the whole unit has to go back. I have simple powerqueen batts, and an EG4 Hybrid inverter like you, running directly to the Ford Charger, and it just wasn't that hard to set up, and there is a ton of expertise right here on youtube to get you there. People will catch on eventually. Projects with everyday Dave's channel has a great video on breaking down going solar vs other investments, and even built a spreadsheet for people to compare different types of investments vs. systems of custom design.

[@solarpunksteve]

One thing I always thought was strange was you couldn't go down to the local Home Depot/Lowes and buy solar panels/inverters/batteries in person. You can get a hot water heater, or any number of electrical items/wiring but if you wanted solar panels, you have to find someone online that sells them or back in the day, call someone. So it's always been this disconnect with homeowners and solar. It's starting to change a little bit now but it's made worse by the snake-oil solar salespeople knocking on peoples doors claiming they can save you a ton of money by taking out a $40k loan to put $12k worth of solar on your roof. Drives me crazy and it's such a dirty (pun intended) way to advance solar energy.

[@ourv9603]

There are a lot of people who would like to go BEV but they are scared of the unknown. SO, thats what hybrids are for. These folks can buy a hybrid which is an EV with training wheels live with it and see what it is like THEN buy a BEV for their next car. !

[@solarpunksteve]

Agreed, change is scary. I feel like most people would absolutely be ready for an EV if they knew what it was like to own one. I’ve even offered family members to borrow my car for a while so they can get used to it. I have never had range anxiety or any issues and been driving the car all over the place as well as towing a huge trailer with it lol. The ownership experience has been amazing, at least for me.

[@themoneyprinterbrrrrr4504]

you need to be sponsored by EGO

[@solarpunksteve]

Should I send them your comment and see what they say? haha

[@Sylvan_dB]

The wear pattern on those tires... That's not good.

[@solarpunksteve]

That came from the previous bent axle that was on the trailer when I got it. I replaced the axle but didn’t replace the tires straight away. I should have but luckily they lasted until now.

[@russellv6234]

Super cool but goddamn that Rivian was awful lol

[@solarpunksteve]

It was interesting... Not my cup of tea but glad someone is having fun regardless. It certainly got a lot of attention at the show.

[@gladlisa1]

that's why you rotate your tires don't let them get worn out just on one side ... take it from a 68 year old granny

[@markhicks9545]

My advice to you is there's no one out there doing what your doing you would be better of making money out of seeing up electric rigs for others especially as many states have gone full one electric

[@solarpunksteve]

Good advice! :)

[@markhicks9545]

@solarpunksteve you have figured out what no one else has and no company has the market is there and all the pieces

[@fredherman5234]

a cyber truck would be thing to go with..