John Deere has announced plans to produce an autonomous electric tractor suitable for gardening use. According to John Deere – the mass production of the electric tractor is scheduled to start in 2026.
This was made possible by the purchase of a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, Australia’s leading supplier of batteries and charging stations.
However, a year has not yet been announced for the launch in Australia of larger John Deere electric models suitable for large-scale crops.
“Machines of this type will make a monumental shift not only for John Deere as a manufacturer, but also for Australian agriculture,” John Deere production system manager for Australia and New Zealand Steph Gersekowski said earlier this month at the Hort Connections 2022 event in Brisbane.
“In less than four years, growers will be able to use this smart and efficient equipment on their farms, creating what can really be called a significant step forward in valuable crop production.”
Steph Gersekowski said John Deere prioritizes research and development in electric and autonomous systems, working with both innovators and industry to make revolutionary advances.
“Prototype testing of a battery electric tractor will begin soon on Australian farms to thoroughly test the equipment in our country’s unique agricultural conditions,” he added.
“Electrification and autonomous equipment help businesses reduce CO 2 e emissions, improve safety and increase productivity. All of these results are perfectly aligned with John Deere’s primary goal of building a fleet of smart and connected machines that will help the industry become more sustainable, productive and efficient.”
“In addition to the tractor, John Deere will also bring electric batteries and chargers to market to promote the new technology.”
“We believe this move will lead to a shift in thinking toward power and make the use of green energy on farms a priority.”
Kreisel Electric is considered a world leader in high-density, long-life battery modules and units.
“Much of the investment in Kreisel Electric will allow Deere to optimally integrate vehicle and powertrain designs with high-density battery packs, while using Kreisel charging technology to create the infrastructure needed for on-farm adoption.”
John Deere sees a major benefit of the autonomous tractor as helping the horticulture industry solve the enormous problem of finding labor.
“Automation is also great at scaling, which means farmers can quickly scale automation at difficult times, such as harvesting or spraying, when labor may be in short supply, and then just as easily scale back when they have fewer time constraints or more access to skilled workers. “.
“The horticulture industry is ready for the rapid development of this technology, as many farmers are already using the John Deere digital ecosystem to manage and control the flow of machinery on their farms.”
Ms. Hersekowski said a survey of John Deere customers showed that growers of high-value crops are eager to switch to electric equipment, with up to 70% of growers saying they would like to purchase an electric option.
“Instead of a futuristic ideal, electrification has become today’s expectation.”
Announcing the signing of an agreement to buy a majority stake in Kreisel Electric last December, John Deere Power Systems Senior Vice President Pierre Gayo said building an electrified portfolio is key to John Deere’s sustainability goal of using new technologies.
They are focused on reducing the environmental impact of new products and working to create zero-emission powertrains on equipment, while increasing our customers’ efficiency and productivity.
“Kreisel battery technology can be applied to Deere’s broad product portfolio, and Kreisel’s expertise in the marketplace will benefit Deere as we build up our portfolio of battery electric vehicles,” Mr. Gayo said.
“Deere will provide the experience, global presence and financing that will allow Kreisel to continue its rapid growth in major markets.”
Kreisel Electric retains its employees, brand name and trademark and continues to operate from its current location in Rheinbach-im-Mühlkreis to serve its growing customer base.
The company was founded in 2014 by brothers Johann, Markus and Philip Kreisel and has about 180 full-time employees.
John Deere said it sees a growing demand for battery power as a single or hybrid propulsion system for off-road vehicles.
Products in the Deere portfolio, such as lawn equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction and some road-building equipment, may rely solely on batteries as their primary power source.
Deere intends to continue to invest and develop technology to innovate, provide value to customers and work toward a future with zero-emission powertrains.