Bankrupt H2Trac continues as E-Ox Tractors, cheaper version to be developed

Investors Kuiken and Joldersma have taken over the bankrupt company H2Trac and will continue the development of the E-Ox implement carrier in modified form. Both owners were already co-shareholders of H2Trac.

The company was originally founded by Paul and Peter-Jan van Ham. The Van Ham brothers are not involved in this relaunch. However, E-Ox Tractors did take over all five employees and appointed a new managing director.

Match market demand

Co-owner Hilbrand Kuiken reveals that H2Trac was in financial difficulties and that the E-Ox tractor (hybrid, fully electric or hydrogen-powered) did not match market demand well. Kuiken: “The tractor is technically top-notch, but also expensive. We had to continue investing to modify the tractor to better match market demand. The internal discussions about this went awry, resulting in bankruptcy.”

Also read: Hybrid tractor from H2Trac drives, hydrogen version is on its way

Kuiken reveals that the new company E-Ox Tractors will change two things. First, a number of modifications to the E-Ox tractor is to create a marketable tractor that better suits the agricultural sector. Exactly which modifications these will be is not yet known. Secondly, E-Ox Tractors will set up collaborations in service and production.

Simpler, cheaper variant

The already familiar variants of the E-Ox electric tractor will remain in the range. That is, there is a choice between hydrogen drive, full electric drive or diesel-electric drive. A variant will be added in the near future. This should mainly be a simpler and cheaper (zero- or low-emission) version of the E-Ox tractor.

E-Ox Tractors will remain based in the Dutch town of Arnhem. There, the company has an office and test site. Kuiken says they intend to outsource assembly in the long run.