CNH Industrial has revealed the New Holland T4 Electric Power — the industry’s first all-electric light utility tractor prototype with autonomous features.
A concentrated effort between a team of experts in the United States (Burr Ridge, Detroit) and Italy (Modena) was able to halve this prototype’s development time thanks to collaboration with strategic partner Monarch Tractor – an electrified Ag innovator based in California.
According to CNH Industrial, this product is the latest development in the company’s strategic plan for electrification. The prototype presented is branded New Holland Agriculture, while the commercial model will also extend to the Case IH Brand.
“The T4 Electric Power is the ideal solution for lower horsepower operations. It is suited to mixed farm, livestock, municipality, orchard and specialty applications. We know our customers are eager to adopt this type of product, so it makes perfect sense for us to continue our Ag electrification journey with this platform,” says Marc Kermisch, chief digital and information officer, CNH Industrial.
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, CNH says.
Depending on the mission profile, the tractor’s battery pack delivers up to a full day of operation. It takes one hour to reach 100% 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 backup power generator for daily or emergency needs. And it provides energy for electric implements. Traditional mechanical, hydraulic and Power Take Off implements can also be used.
What makes this tractor a world first are its autonomous features and automated capabilities, CNH says. Together these technologies provide leading solutions that support operators of all skill levels.
CNH states the T4 Electric Power’s roof houses sensors, cameras and control units which 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 company adds.
