One of the largest arable farming enterprises in the Netherlands, Koninklijke Maatschap de Wilhelminapolder (KMWP), is making waves in the agricultural industry by testing the 200 HP Fendt 700 Vario Electric tractor. This fully electric-powered tractor has shown great promise during its initial trials, particularly in terms of pulling power. As the autumn harvest of potatoes took place, the fields of the Dutch arable farm were filled with the soft hum of an electric motor instead of the usual roar of a diesel engine.
KMWP’s Director, Coolbergen, expressed his excitement about the tractor, stating, “There’s a lot of torque, and it’s immediately available. Fantastic!” The tractor’s charging capabilities through standard charging stations ensure uninterrupted operation, allowing it to seamlessly continue its tasks. Coolbergen emphasized the importance of vehicle electrification in agriculture, stating, “You have to start somewhere.”
While electric tractors have already made their mark in the construction business, with Agromec, the Dutch Fendt importer, delivering 10 similar tractors for use in earthworks and road construction, they are yet to gain traction in agriculture. KMWP’s trial of the 200 HP electric tractor is an industry first, highlighting the potential for electrification in the agricultural sector.
Hans Quint, Director of Abemec, the parent company of Agromec, explained that the agricultural sector has been slower to adopt electrification due to financial considerations. He stated, “It’s a substantial investment, and there’s no premium on your products yet. It’s different in infrastructure and road construction, where zero-emission production is sometimes mandatory.”
The development of this electric tractor involved a collaboration between Agromec and Electric Construction Equipment (ECE). They used a modified Fendt 720 Vario as the base, removing all components related to diesel and exhaust gas treatment, while retaining the Vario transmission. The transmission, being the core of the tractor, communicates with the TMS transmission control and powers various components directly.
The transmission is now powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous Danfoss motor without brushes, capable of delivering over 420 HP. However, it is tuned to mimic the performance characteristics of the original Deutz diesel engine. The tractor is equipped with a 70 kWh battery pack for short-term use, such as brief road travel and to bridge the swapping of large batteries in the front hitch. Cooling the electric components is crucial, with temperatures not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.
The battery pack, with a capacity of 140 kWh, can be attached and detached easily in the front hitch. It can be fully charged within an hour at a fast charging station, and under full load, it depletes within an hour. However, this rarely occurs in practical scenarios. The electrified Fendt tractor comes with a high price tag of approximately €615,000, but it offers an emission-free and robust solution for almost continuous operation.
KMWP’s trial of the 200 HP Fendt 700 Vario Electric tractor marks a significant step forward in the electrification of agriculture. While financial considerations and the lack of premium on agricultural products have slowed down the adoption of electric tractors in the sector, KMWP’s early adoption and collaboration with manufacturers like Agromec and ECE demonstrate the industry’s commitment to exploring sustainable and efficient solutions. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, electrification may become more common, offering benefits such as reduced emissions and improved operational efficiency.