CNH Industrial has unveiled its New Holland T4 Electric Power that’s claimed to be the industry’s first all-electric light utility tractor prototype with autonomous features.
The new model is the result of a concentrated effort between the business’ experts in the United States (Burr Ridge, Detroit) and Italy (Modena) that was able to halve the prototype’s development time thanks to collaboration with strategic partner Monarch Tractor – an electrified agriculture innovator based in California. New Holland’s expertise and resources, in conjunction with Monarch’s disruptive technology, made the world-first possible.
CNH Industrial says the product milestone is the latest development in its strategic plan for electrification. The prototype presented is branded as New Holland, but production models will also extend to the Case IH brand.
“The T4 Electric Power is the ideal solution for lower-horsepower operations,” CNH Industrial’s chief digital and information officer, Marc Kermisch, said. “We know our customers are eager to adopt this type of product, so it makes perfect sense for us to continue our electrification journey with this platform.”
This first-generation battery electric light vehicle belongs to the utility tractor segment. Commercial production is expected to begin at the end of 2023, with a broader product offering to follow. The initial T4 Electric Power model has a peak power output of 120hp and maximum torque of 440Nm. The four-wheel-drive tractor has a maximum speed of 40km/hr.
Depending on the work being undertaken, the tractor’s battery pack can deliver up to a full day of operation. It then takes just one hour to reach 100 per cent power when using commercially available fast charging systems.
The tractor’s electrical outlets support daily farm tasks such as welding and drilling. It doubles as a back-up power generator for daily or emergency needs, and provides energy for electric implements. Traditional mechanical, hydraulic and PTO implements can also be used.
In testing, the T4 Electric Power showed exceptional performance compared to a conventional diesel tractor. Its superb responsiveness makes it more aggressive, efficient and provides greater traction control. Smoother shuttling and gear shifts make it even more of a pleasure to drive.
The new tractor is claimed to reduce operating costs by up to 90 per cent thanks to eliminating diesel fuel costs and associated maintenance fees. And it’s quiet; noise levels are reduced by up to 90 per cent and vibration is also substantially dampened. This respects stringent municipal noise regulations, allows for nighttime operation and improves livestock wellbeing, especially when working inside covered areas such as barns.
What makes the tractor a world first are its autonomous features and automated capabilities. Together these technologies provide leading solutions that support operators of all skill levels.
The T4 Electric Power’s roof houses sensors, cameras and control units that enable its advanced autonomous and automated features. Farmers can remotely activate the tractor via a smartphone app. Shadow Follow Me mode lets operators sync machines to work together. A 360-degree perception system detects and avoids obstacles.
Telematics and auto guidance keep all functions in check for operators. Fleet Management lets the farm manager assign tasks to each piece of equipment. Implement recognition ensures the tractor seamlessly links up with the required attachment. And offboard digital services let farmers run the tractor from anywhere, at any time, while monitoring its performance and battery level.
The T4 Electric Power joins the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG and T6 Methane Power CNG tractors for an alternative source portfolio that demonstrates CNH Industrial’s commitment to sustainably advancing agriculture for the world’s farmers.
