The future of electric agriculture is taking shape at John Deere (video)
Autonomous electric tractor concept; by John Deere. 
Energy independence and cost control are top priorities for farmers, and more and more companies are introducing electric devices that can be charged with solar, wind or even on-farm biogas. By debuting its latest next-generation electric tractor at Agritechnica last month, John Deere is signaling that it intends to lead this revolution.
John Deere says the E-Power electric tractor prototypes, quietly teased starting in 2022, will be as quiet as a car, as easy to drive as a golf cart, and as low-maintenance as the company’s popular diesel tractors.
“Our goal with the E-Power tractor is to ensure it performs the same tasks as its diesel counterparts and works with the same implements, while unlocking added value,” explains Derek Muller, John Deere’s Electric Vehicle Battery Systems Business Manager. “Through our electric range, we will strive to reduce maintenance costs, provide high and reliable performance and intuitive operation.”
The latest John Deere electric tractor prototype, recently presented at Agritechnica, is equipped with a 100 hp drive motor and two additional motors. One 130 hp continuous electric motor for the PTO and a third for the hydraulic pump. They will draw power from up to five KREISEL li-ion batteries, giving customers considerable pricing flexibility based on their ability to determine how much power and run time they need (and are willing to pay) to get their job done.
John Deere electric tractor
Customization will be much more than just battery size. Deere plans to offer customers a variety of different tractor and equipment options and keep costs competitive by basing them on a common vehicle architecture.
“John Deere aims to develop a single electric concept that customers can configure to their own needs,” writes Bob Karsten, Future agriculture. “Buyers will be able to choose the number of batteries (up to five, a total of 195 kWh), the type of axle (narrow or wide gauge) and the cab (either an orchard or the familiar 5M cab). In essence, buyers will choose their preferred battery capacity. With the largest battery (195 kWh), the tractor can operate for 8 hours from a fast charge of up to 80%, and the target is up to 30%.
Deere revealed one version of this upcoming electric tractor (above) at Agritechnica last week, but while it’s an early prototype, it’s a fully functional piece that has already met some of John Deere’s most trusted customers.
- Daniela set customer from California, said his experience with the electric tractor led him to believe it could help facilitate the training of new operators: “I think the tractor is much easier for drivers to understand and operate. It would take less time to teach them (operators) how to use it.”
- Tylervineyard customer in California, believes a new electric tractor could help his operation meet sustainability goals: “When we look at our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, we want to try to reduce them when we operate our equipment to farm our vineyards, we want to be aware of the community as a whole.”
It’s not yet officially known when John Deere’s new electric tractor platform will start rolling out to customers, but Big Green’s recent purchase of battery maker KREISEL and its continued push into more global markets means it can’t afford to take things slow.
A quick virtual tour of the John Deere E-Power electric tractor concept can be seen in this (admittedly older) video released around ACT Expo, and you can expect more details and possible configurations at the upcoming CON/AGExpo conference in March.
John Deere E-Power configuration
SOURCE | PICTURES: John Deere.
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