Here’s a summary of lawn mower emissions, focusing on robotic/remote-controlled models, with a comparative table:
Lawn Mower Emissions Overview
Robotic lawn mowers (electric/battery-powered) produce significantly lower emissions compared to traditional gas-powered mowers. Key findings:
Electric/Battery Models:
Zero direct emissions during operation (no tailpipe pollutants).
Indirect emissions depend on the electricity source (e.g., coal vs. renewable energy).
Estimated CO₂ equivalent: ~0.05–0.2 kg/kWh (varies by grid mix).
Gas-Powered Models:
Emit CO₂, NOₓ, CO, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
A typical gas mower emits ~1.3–2.5 kg CO₂ per gallon of gasoline.
Lifecycle Emissions:
Battery production for electric mowers adds to their carbon footprint, but this is offset by lower operational emissions over time.
Emission Comparison Table
| Type | CO₂ (kg/hour) | NOₓ (g/hour) | CO (g/hour) | VOCs (g/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic (Electric) | 0.01–0.05 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gas-Powered (Push) | 1.5–2.5 | 4–6 | 30–50 | 10–20 |
Key Takeaways:
Robotic mowers are the cleanest option, especially when charged with renewable energy.
Gas mowers contribute to air pollution and climate change; their emissions are comparable to cars per hour of use.
Maintenance: Electric mowers require less upkeep, reducing long-term environmental impact.
For further reading on global carbon budgets, see .