The conversation over morning coffee turned to electric powered vehicles with the retired mechanic at the table asserting electric power will never replace tractors.
Never say never.
The world of tractor manufacturing is buzzing with pilot models of electric power (EP) tractors. Models by John Deere, Case/IHC and several European makers are in project trials.
Kubota of Japan sells a series of 24 to 47 horsepower EP tractors. A new entrant, Soletrac of California, has had two utility tractor models on sale since early 2018.
Soletrac executives say the tractors will sell for several reasons: operating costs range between one-eighth and one-half of a diesel, $40,000 costs and three to six-hour time for battery recharge.
Better yet, the motor has one moving part and can last a lifetime, sparing repair costs.
Fendt of Germany produces a 70HP model running five hours on the battery and getting up to 80 per cent recharge in four hours; Lindt of Austria has an EP model in trials.
John Deere feels it has solved the battery storage issue with a corded electric tractor – raising visions of accidental cord cutting and costs of installing power boxes in every field.
Scaling the tractors up to larger horsepower seems to be the challenge, but not an insurmountable task.
Farmers with EP tractors will have an advantage in energy costs and the option of solar power to run features like air conditioning.
Electric locomotives are common on high speed passenger trains in Europe, Russia and parts of Asia. General Electric has diesel-electric hybrid locomotives and is developing a battery powered unit.
The battery powered unit likely uses Canadian technology from Railpower, a company that manufactured them. Six of the units were bought by CP Rail for trial use. One operated as a “goat” in the Moose Jaw rail yards.
When Railpower received large orders, the decision was made to out-source some production. The out-sourced production resulted in extensive warranty claims. GE wound up buying the assets and technology.
On the big truck transport side, Tesla has production scheduled for a semi-tractor that gets 500 miles on one battery charge – enough to handle 80 per cent of all semi travel trips in the U.S. Operating cost of this EP model is supposed to be 17 per cent less than a diesel with substantial lifetime repair savings. Several companies make electric garbage trucks.
Even the great engine builder, Cummins, is developing electric powered motors for big machines.
Electric buses have been used in Canada since 1948 and are becoming used more in Europe and Asia. Thirteen manufacturers offer electric passenger vehicles in the U.S.
Global sales of electric vehicles increased 50 per cent in 2018. By 2035 nearly one in three new vehicles sold will be electric vehicles.
The rapid growth of electric vehicles will not restrict the need for oil power. Electric vehicle growth will allow gasoline and diesel to remain more affordable as EP helps offset growing demand for energy around the globe.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
