Published on July 21, 2025
With support from a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Local Climate Action grant, the City recently purchased its first ride‐on electric lawn mower to use in park and right‐of‐way maintenance. In addition to the mower, the City has also been transitioning its chainsaws, edgers and other small equipment to electric models. Compared to gas‐powered equipment, electric landscaping equipment emits less air and noise pollution including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds that irritate lungs and exacerbate asthma. Electric equipment also typically has an instant start via a push button versus throttle, which makes them easier to turn on and reduces the risk of shoulder injury. Electric landscaping equipment is typically cost‐competitive with gas‐powered equipment, especially when you factor in decreased fuel and maintenance associated with gasoline, oil and winter weatherization. Advances in lithium‐ion technology mean that electric landscaping equipment has a comparable power to traditional models and often offers more consistent torque for improved performance.
To incentivize the switch to electric landscaping equipment, Xcel Energy is now offering rebates for outdoor electric landscaping equipment to residents and home‐based lawn or snow‐care businesses:
Equipment Type
Residential Rebate
Commercial Rebate
Electric Push Lawn Mower
60% of equipment cost up to $75
60% of equipment cost up to $300
Electric Riding Lawn Mower
60% of equipment cost up to $200
60% of equipment cost up to $800
Electric Push Snow Blower
60% of equipment cost up to $30
60% of equipment cost up to $100
Electric Trimmer
60% of equipment cost up to $120
Electric Edger
Electric Cultivator
Electric Chainsaw and Pole Saws
(Chainsaw blades must be at least 12 inches)
Electric Leaf Blower
Learn more at mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home‐rebates/outdoor‐electric‐equipment. Find electric landscaping equipment online or at your favorite home improvement store.