Electric propulsion and autonomous vehicles have become a hot topic in the agricultural industry, attracting the attention of both established companies and start-ups. Recently, at the Agritechnica trade fair, several start-ups unveiled their prototype electric tractors, showcasing the significant progress being made in the development of electric propulsion and autonomous technology by tractor manufacturers.
While the first fully electric tractors are already on the market, it seems that full electrification is currently reserved for tractors under 100 horsepower. This makes sense, as tractors used for work on and around the farmyard are not constantly heavily loaded, and the ability to recharge is never far away. It’s an obvious application for electric tractors, as the demands on these machines are well-suited to the capabilities of electric propulsion.
What’s interesting is that these start-ups are not simply retrofitting existing tractors with electric motors. Instead, they are opting to build completely new electric tractors from scratch. This approach allows them more freedom in terms of battery placement, which is crucial given the space constraints of a fully electric vehicle. The battery pack needs to replace a 50 to 60-liter fuel tank, so finding the right configuration is essential.
One example of this innovative approach is the TUMtrac, a study model from the Technical University of Munich. The team behind the TUMtrac has built a completely new vehicle to research the technical capabilities and possibilities of a fully electric tractor. Last fall, the electric tractor was put to the test, being used for tasks such as sowing wheat, cultivating, and tipping.
Another start-up, Tadus, has taken a different approach with their E-Tractor. Based on a discontinued Doppstad Systra, the E-Tractor still retains its diesel engine, which drives a generator to charge two lithium-ion batteries. This hybrid design brings together the benefits of electric propulsion while maintaining the familiarity and practicality of a traditional agricultural tractor.
The German start-up Raumideen has also entered the electric tractor market with their project called Onox. This prototype electric tractor closely resembles a standard agricultural tractor, but with the omission of the diesel engine. The designers have focused on the quick exchange of batteries, allowing for uninterrupted operation. The Onox is designed for 50 kW power and has 3kWh of energy per battery pack.
Even established companies are getting in on the action. American company Monarch Tractor has fully redesigned an autonomous electric tractor, and they have partnered with CNH Industrial to bring their vision to life.
The benefits of electric tractors are clear, from reduced emissions to improved efficiency. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as battery capacity and charging infrastructure. Both start-ups and established manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to find solutions to these issues.
As the agricultural industry continues to embrace electric propulsion and autonomous technology, we can expect to see more advancements and innovations in the field of electric tractors. These developments have the potential to revolutionize farming practices, making them more sustainable and efficient for the future.