Swedish study highlights benefits of electric, autonomous tractors
Swedish researchers have found that lighter, autonomous electric tractors can lower costs by 33% and reduce climate impact by 72% compared to traditional tractors. The study highlights the important benefits of reduced vehicle weight.
Scientists from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala compared the effects of conventional tractors with lighter autonomous electric tractors. They looked at both economic and environmental impacts related to the weight of the vehicles.
The researchers emphasise that modern farming relies heavily on large, heavy machinery, which can cause soil compaction in fields. This compaction can have negative effects, such as lower crop yields, difficulty moving across fields, and increased fuel consumption. The study states “Electric, autonomous tractors allow farmers to replace one heavy machine with several lighter ones without increasing labour costs.”
About the analysis
To conduct their analysis, the researchers simulated a 200-hectare grain farm in Sweden with clay soil. They compared 2 scenarios featuring a diesel-powered tractor that weighs 10,800 kg. One of these scenarios included a version of the tractor that had an autonomous system, but otherwise was the same as the conventional model. Another scenario involved a large electric tractor to explore the differences between one big machine and several smaller ones. The main alternative scenario included two 50-kW electric autonomous tractors, each weighing 4,047 kg, of which 1,000 kg was for batteries.
Impact on soil compaction
The results show that the electric, autonomous tractors caused less soil compaction and provided other advantages. Overall costs were reduced from €385 to €258 per hectare. Climate impact also dropped from 270 kg to 77 kg of CO2 equivalent per hectare when compared to the conventional tractor.
Electric, autonomous tractors allow for the replacement of one heavy machine with several lighter options while remaining cost-effective and reducing further soil compaction. The study indicated that soil compaction has significant economic and environmental impacts, mainly by increasing fuel use and causing yield losses. In the conventional scenario, soil compaction accounted for 20% of total costs and 26% of the climate impact.
The environmental effects were also significant, with soil compaction increasing climate change contributions by 46% per kilogram of grain compared to normal soil conditions. When assessed per hectare, the impact rose by 26%, not considering yield losses.
The researchers conclude that the economic and environmental effects of soil compaction are comparable to the benefits of making tractors autonomous. Soil compaction emerged as one of the biggest factors in machinery analysis, highlighting the need to consider it in future studies and calculations.
Reduced operational costs
When compared with conventional heavy diesel tractors, which contribute to soil compaction, electric autonomous tractors with lower weights reduced operational costs by 29% to 33%, climate impact by 71% to 73%, and damage-related impacts by 54% to 75%.
While avoiding soil compaction alone might not be a strong enough reason to switch to electric or autonomous tractors, it adds to the argument for transitioning from heavy diesel tractors to lighter, self-driving electric models. Addressing soil compaction can further enhance existing trends, maximising profitable and environmentally friendly choices while minimising harmful ones.
The researchers note that soil compaction is significant in machinery studies, especially in heavier soils like clay, and should not be overlooked. Although avoiding soil compaction alone may not justify a change to electric, autonomous tractors, it strengthens existing trends and further improves the cost and environmental benefits of using these technologies.
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