Machinery manufacturer New Holland is taking bold steps towards a more sustainable future with its ‘Clean Energy Leader Strategy.’ The company is at the forefront of exploring alternatives to traditional diesel-powered vehicles, signaling a significant shift in the agricultural machinery industry.
According to Egide Vandevelde, business director at CNH Industrial, New Holland’s focus is on transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. While smaller vehicles are making the switch to electric power, larger machinery is being considered for either methane or hybrid solutions. The decision to move away from hydrogen, which was initially explored in 2009, is attributed to its high cost, limited autonomy, and technical challenges.
The collaboration with Blue Fuel Solutions to develop the H2 Dual Power tractor, which runs on a blend of hydrogen and diesel, showcases New Holland’s commitment to innovation. However, the company acknowledges that this technology is still in a transitional phase and not entirely CO2-free.
New Holland’s strategy involves prioritizing electric power for vehicles up to 100 horsepower, citing energy density as a key factor. As Vandevelde explains, the current limitations of battery technology make electrification beyond 100 horsepower impractical due to space constraints on the vehicles.
Looking ahead, New Holland is placing its bets on methane as a viable alternative for higher horsepower machinery, with a focus on biomethane for sustainability. The company is set to introduce a 270 horsepower tractor by 2025, running on methane with a front-mounted range extender. The next phase involves exploring liquefied methane (LNG), which offers higher energy density but comes with storage challenges due to its extremely low temperature requirements.
In addition to methane-powered vehicles, New Holland is also considering hybrid solutions that combine a methane engine with an electricity-generating generator. While this technology is still in the developmental stage, it represents a promising avenue for further reducing emissions and improving efficiency in agricultural machinery.
Overall, New Holland’s ‘Clean Energy Leader Strategy’ underscores the company’s commitment to driving sustainability in the agricultural sector. By embracing a diverse range of alternative energy sources and innovative technologies, New Holland is not only meeting the evolving needs of the industry but also setting a new standard for environmentally conscious farming practices.