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, Gilbeck 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%, as well as 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: “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.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
At the 2022 AgRally, CAD led a discussion about electric vehicles on the farm/ranch. Consistent with our conclusion then, John Deere is approaching the electric market as one alternative to traditional fuels, but not the only solution. As stated in the article, Deere will start slowly by introducing a small electric tractor in 2026. That will test the market and also provide time for other R&D developments to either show promise or be removed from the list of potential answers.
Adoption of electric vehicles, pickups in particular, is also expected to be slow developing in the farm/ranch community. That is why we urge you to really get to know the farm/ranch customer in your area, including their buying preferences. They purchase a lot of ½ ton pickups, for instance. So, if you have any ½ ton inventory on your lot, you might strongly consider putting them on AgTruckTrader.com. AgTT is available an no additional cost to all CAD members. If you’re not on it already, give AgTT a try today.
