By Brian Collett — An all-electric tractor has been designed that could eventually cut pollution from farming by leaps and bounds.
John Deere, the Illinois-based maker of agricultural, forestry and construction machinery, says its creation points the way towards a zero-emissions tractor.
The company claims tractors are ideal for electrification as they are stored in the same shed at night, making recharging convenient, and are low-maintenance machines.
John Deere’s tractor has a huge battery bank and dual electric motors to develop up to 130 kilowatts of continuous power. The company admits the battery will last only four hours at present and is not yet ready for the big leagues.
However, research is continuing, and observers have congratulated John Deere as a large manufacturer that is taking zero-emissions farming seriously.
The tractor will be exhibited at the Paris International Agribusiness Show from February 26 to March 2.