‘Electric prototype tractor sparks discussions; ‘6 hours from the battery is a joke!’’
Electric drive, with its instant torque, smooth delivery, and scalable power, is absolutely brilliant at pulling heavy loads. In this area, electric tractors can and will become superior to their fossil-fueled predecessors. The issue, however, is that you need a very large battery to pull a decent load for a significant duration of at least eight hours under full load. And a very large battery needs frequent recharging. Serious firepower is required for frequent charging when it comes to infrastructure: if you think you can plug your E-Tractor into a standard three-pin socket, you might as well sleep for the first 12 hours.
Reactions to the French electric Seederal
The recent Future Farming video and article featuring the prototype of the electric Seederal tractor has sparked a wave of reactions. The inevitable transformation of agricultural machinery to fossil-free energy is causing quite a stir in the farming community. This level of engagement is inherently positive. Engaging in debates about what will or won’t work from the perspectives of farmers, industry, and researchers is constructive and can only help accelerate the electrification of agricultural machinery.
Concerns about battery life
One of the most common comments relates to the battery life of the electric Seederal tractor. Users like @jimh5031 remarked that “6 hours from the battery is a joke,” implying that this duration is insufficient for the long working hours typical in farming. The expected runtime of three to six hours indeed raises legitimate concerns. Farming often requires machines to operate for longer periods, sometimes up to 18-24 hours. While the initial prototype operates for only six hours, further advancements in battery technology could potentially extend this duration. The development of batteries is currently making huge strides. Solid-state batteries, for instance, are still in development but offer the potential for the greatest improvements in durability and energy density.
Performance in different soil conditions
Another significant concern is the tractor’s performance in various soil conditions. @knockschool wondered how the tractor would perform in heavy clay soil compared to sand. Plowing in sandy or light loam soil, as shown in the Seederal test tractor video, requires significantly less pulling power than in heavy clay. This could easily halve the range that Seederal currently claims. However, Seederal is also testing the tractor in heavier soils. A large, quickly exchangeable battery in the front hitch can extend the range and also serve as front ballast for extra grip. Such an extra quick-swap battery in the front hitch is also being tested in the Netherlands with a 200 hp electrified Fendt.
Charging time and infrastructure
Charging time and infrastructure were also much-discussed topics. Comments from @Gugernoot and @mithall4198 emphasized the impracticality of two-hour charging stops and the potential need for removable battery systems. Charging infrastructure and downtime (e.g., during charging) are indeed significant challenges. Removable battery systems are a viable solution being considered to tackle long charging times. Additionally, battery manufacturers succeed in reducing charging times each year. The progress made by electric truck manufacturers in this area is promising, such as the Tesla Semi truck, which has been in practical use since 2022 by major companies like Pepsico for the delivery of, among other things, Lays potato chips.
Economic and environmental considerations
Economic feasibility and environmental impact were other recurring themes. @chriss7930 pointed out the potential rise in food prices due to the higher costs of electric tractors. Additionally, concerns about the environmental impact of battery production, as raised by @Kolar522, cannot be ignored. Long-term economic and environmental benefits are expected to outweigh the initial costs of a much more efficient electric drive with efficiencies of 90% (compared to 30% for combustion engines), provided sustainable practices are followed.
Future prospects and technological evolution
Positive feedback also came from users like @oby-1607 and @rare_wubbox360, who see great potential in the future of electric tractors. These comments highlight the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in agricultural technology with a positively critical outlook.
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