All-Electric Tractor Outperforms Diesels

All-Electric Tractor Outperforms Diesels ENERGY Alternative Fuels Better performance than diesel lower operating costs and electric power on demand for remote welding and other tool use are only a few of the features of the 74-hp T4 Electric Power T4EP utility tractor from New Holland     The T4EPs prototype was introduced in late 2022 Recent Farm Progress Show attendees got to see the real thing Everyone else aside from those who attend Agritechnica in Germany will have to wait until 2024 when the groundbreaking tractor will be offered commercially     “The T4EP utilizes a fully electrified drive train with state-of-the-art features and components ” says Lena Bioni New Holland “With the battery bank it’s a slightly heavier utility tractor than the equivalent PowerStar diesel which contributes to best-in-class ground traction ”     The T4EP is equipped with all the standard features of a utility tractor plus the latest technology What it doesn’t have is diesel fuel DEF oil or oil filters As a result operating costs are up to 54 percent less compared to fuel and maintenance with a diesel-powered alternative     Bioni notes that the T4EP also offers better performance than diesel with high torque maximum torque of up to 440nm and fast response achieved at the lowest speeds This reduces the need to change gears improving drivability for operators regardless of their skill level     The smooth and gradual delivery of power at low speeds and constant delivery at high speeds increase the operator’s control and precision with implements and loader     “It’s an easy-to-use machine ” says Bioni     A big advantage of the powerful battery packs and AC110/220V outlets on the T4EP is its exportable power “The tractor can serve as a power source for welding drilling and cutting machines in remote areas and fields ” notes Bioni “While not suitable for use as a true whole home or vehicle-to-home solution it can be used to keep limited essential house or farm circuits functioning ”     The T4EP offers a follow-me semi-autonomous function and CNHi Invisible Bucket Other digital viewing assists include Over the Air updates Live View Map Maker and Remote Diagnostic Access     The Invisible Bucket will allow the operator to see the view blocked by a loader bucket or other attachments The real-time camera view is seen on the tractor’s 14 8-in touch screen     The Advanced Driver Assistance System makes these functions possible It uses computer vision techniques and machine learning algorithms for real-time object recognition as well as classification These autonomous features are expected to be officially available in the T4EP tractors released later in 2024     Components include sensors cameras and control units in the Smart Roof with 360º Awareness Mode The operator can activate the tractor via a smartphone app Machines can be synced together with tasks assigned to each piece of equipment Implement recognition ensures the tractor links up with required attachments Off-board digital services let farmers run the tractor while monitoring its performance and battery level from anywhere     “It can automatically differentiate between various obstacles such as vehicles pedestrians animals and stationary objects providing warnings to the operator and initiating collision avoidance measures ” says Bioni     The 110kWh maximum energy storage capacity lithium cell chemistry battery modules offer up to a full day of operation depending on the workload They take just 1 hour to recharge to 100 percent power using commercially available fast charging systems     As with other EVs the T4EP operates at a reduced noise level This makes it less disruptive around livestock and conducive for use in nighttime operations in urban areas With zero emissions it’s especially attractive for use in sheds barns and confined spaces whether livestock related municipality greenhouse or other uses     A price for the T4 Electric Power tractor has not yet been set          Contact: FARM SHOW Followup New Holland https://agriculture newholland com/en-us/nar

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