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 May 1, 2023 by Chris Torres, Farm Progress Deere is planning to release its first all-electric, autonomous tractor by 2026. COURTESY OF JOHN DEERE Whenever he talks about electric tractors, Jon Gilbeck always gets the inevitable question: When will big green tractors be electric powered? Well, don't expect any battery-powered 7R or 8R John Deere tractors anytime soon, but you can expect a smaller electric-powered John Deere tractor in a couple of years. Gilbeck, John Deere's construction equipment product management and electrification lead, says the company is aiming to produce at least one fully electric autonomous tractor by 2026. Speaking at a recent media event at John Deere's Austin, Texas, area test farm, he said the company is taking a multipronged approach to alternative energy, as more customers want the company to develop "sustainable solutions" to power its fleet. This includes the development of more energy-efficient diesel engines that will reduce fuel usage 5% to 10%, and the promotion of more alternative fuels. "John Deere engines are 100% compatible with a drop-in renewable diesel production, as well as up to 20% biofuels," Gilbeck said. But fully electric machines are on the company's wish list, too. Last fall, Deere bought a majority ownership stake in Austrian company Kreisel Electric, which has developed a proprietary battery cooling technology that it claims results in longer battery life and higher performance. A press release on the Kreisel deal stated that Deere is planning to speed up battery production at Kreisel's facility in Austria, as well as opening a new facility at its own production facility in Saran, France, and adding a battery production facility in the U.S. To read the entire report click here. Tweet |
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