First electric tractor 30-70 hp

[jabloomf1230]

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201208005472/en/

 

[ccoon520]

That's pretty cool. Reading the article I thought to myself it needs at least 8 hrs of work per charge for it to even be a consideration but from the website it can be 10 and I was pleasantly surprised. The 50k price tag puts it out of my range though.

 

[xrocketengineer]

....and for the driver optional function......

 

[OrangeKrush]

I was expecting something a little more attractive..

 

[BigG]

$50,000 for a tractor. Then $15,000 for new batteries. But I did not see how long the batteries would last. Say something in the neighborhood 5 years per set. So in the 20 years it is built to last that would be 3 sets equals $95,000 just for the machine. $95,000 divided by 20 years equals $4750 equals $395 per month for 20 years for a compact tractor. That is a big pill to swallow.

 

[SidecarFlip]

$50,000 for a tractor. Then $15,000 for new batteries. But I did not see how long the batteries would last. Say something in the neighborhood 5 years per set. So in the 20 years it is built to last that would be 3 sets equals $95,000 just for the machine. $95,000 divided by 20 years equals $4750 equals $395 per month for 20 years for a compact tractor. That is a big pill to swallow.

Big pill with blunt ends...............

 

[SidecarFlip]

It's a millennial thing and I ain't a millennial. Reminds me of the Kubota model that looks like a big cockroach.

 

[ctfjr]

I did read there the battery has a 10 yr warranty. For 50k it looks like you get 2wd, 4wd a ???$$$ extra. Doesn't look like it can take a fel.

If you had an application where you could run it autonomously I bet it would pay for itself in a year.

 

[skeets]

People seem to forget that it take electrical power to charge these things,, where do they think the electrical power comes from? It comes from gas, oil, COAL some nuke, and solar and wind they dont even count. But to each his/her own I guess

 

[BX23S-1]

It sho is ugly. That poor thing cant even sneak up on a dirt driveway.

 

[ccoon520]

People seem to forget that it take electrical power to charge these things,, where do they think the electrical power comes from? It comes from gas, oil, COAL some nuke, and solar and wind they dont even count. But to each his/her own I guess

However, in those instances (even coal) the efficiency of that power generation is greater than the efficiency of the power created by the diesel engine. In the engine the heat generated is just energy loss but in the instance of power plants it uses heat to create steam and the steam to rotate the turbine. Then they have regen cycles and secondary turbines that boost the efficiency by upwards of 20% over the main turbine. Resulting in something close to 55% efficiency. Diesel power generation is around 45% for comparison. 10% doesn't seem like much but if it is 10% reduction across a population those gains add up fast.

There are also other parasitic losses are attached on the front of the engine as well like your water pump for your radiator, your alternator to power the other electronics, and any other devices that are hooked up to the engine that aren't used to propel the unit or run the PTO.

 

[torch]

I'm confused. Their cost projections are apparently based on using the automated tractor "almost" 24 hours a day. But doesn't it take some time to recharge? Are they expecting the farmer to have 2 sets of batteries, like a cordless drill?

 

[SidecarFlip]

Took the Kubota survey a few days ago and one question I answered was I'd pay a couple grand extra for Global positioning. I can use that. Driverless tractor, no way Jose'. I don't care much about efficiency with a tractor anyway. I care about performance and the ability to power my implements. Kind of leaves a 'toaster' out in the woods for me.

John Deere has an electric utility tractor with 4wd (front wheel assist) and a Class 2 3 PH. Little bit more jack. It's around 130 grand. Don't blow my dress up either...

What would be interesting is a hydrogen fuel cell tractor. The exhaust can water your soil as you drive along...

 

[SidecarFlip]

However, in those instances (even coal) the efficiency of that power generation is greater than the efficiency of the power created by the diesel engine. In the engine the heat generated is just energy loss but in the instance of power plants it uses heat to create steam and the steam to rotate the turbine. Then they have regen cycles and secondary turbines that boost the efficiency by upwards of 20% over the main turbine. Resulting in something close to 55% efficiency. Diesel power generation is around 45% for comparison. 10% doesn't seem like much but if it is 10% reduction across a population those gains add up fast.

There are also other parasitic losses are attached on the front of the engine as well like your water pump for your radiator, your alternator to power the other electronics, and any other devices that are hooked up to the engine that aren't used to propel the unit or run the PTO.

I'm not a tree hugger so I don't much care. I'm a tree cutter, not a hugger. Stihl to be exact.

 

[mikester]

It sho is ugly. That poor thing cant even sneak up on a dirt driveway.

I bet those electric hydraulic pumps are good and noisy

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeesh, you guys south of the 49th must have cheap electricy ! Based on the 30KW number, it'd cost my 50 Canucks to recharge in the '4-5' hours, and that's AFTER I pay 1,000s to have a new 150A service installed JUST for the 'charging station'. Also never discussed is that the electric company would have to 'upgrade' the transformer on the pole. They do that here when 3 neighbours buy priuses and telsases.... ANother 'gotcha' ,here, is that ANY upgrade in house hydro(even a contractor installed receptacle) needs 'permits' and that means a WHOLE house inspection ! It can then cost 10s of 1,000s to get the house 'up to current code'....
I'd like to see that tractor 'autonomusly' backup and get a 3pt plow on, then adjust it based on the varying field conditions !! Sure hate to see the reapir bill for when the 'computer' kraps out,when the tractor gets mired in the mud, waaaay back in the furthest field !!

 

[torch]

Sure hate to see the reapir bill for when the 'computer' kraps out,when the tractor gets mired in the mud, waaaay back in the furthest field !!

Interestingly, their promotional video claims it is "Right to repair" friendly, with owner-accessible on-board diagnostics, etc.

Some might feel it's worth the price of admission just for that feature alone.

 

[shelkol]

People seem to forget that it take electrical power to charge these things,, where do they think the electrical power comes from? It comes from gas, oil, COAL some nuke, and solar and wind they dont even count. But to each his/her own I guess
[/QUOT

Yay, I love when people look at the whole picture! Also remember that electric distribution loses something like 30%. Plus our power grid in its current configuration is not really capable of supporting everyone charging their vehicles.

 

[NHSleddog]

Personally, I think it will all be electric in the end. Not because it is green, but because it is better. 100% torque at 0RPM is hard to beat. There are a few technologies that are about to head into production that are going to change power storage as we know it. Crushed lithium will be 5-10 times the density of current and that is just one of them.

I remember not to long ago when diesel was 4.50/gal. It will be headed that way again making all of these technologies look better.

I was surprised they didn't have a solar panel on the roof.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Interestingly, their promotional video claims it is "Right to repair" friendly, with owner-accessible on-board diagnostics, etc.

Some might feel it's worth the price of admission just for that feature alone.

Right to repair.... repair with electronics from the parent company and probably made in China. Amazing how the JD 'right to repair' lawsuit gets buzz worded by others.