Electrifying fields: Dutch farmer tests 200 HP electric Fendt tractor

23-10-2023 | Tech in focus | Article

Deployed during the autumn harvest transport of potatoes, the electric tractor brought a distinct change to the usual scene on the Zeeuwse arable farm. - Photo: Koninklijke Maatschap Wilhelminapolder

One of the largest arable farming enterprises in the Netherlands, Koninklijke Maatschap de Wilhelminapolder (KMWP), is putting the 200 HP Fendt 700 Vario Electric tractor to the test. The initial impressions of this fully electric-powered tractor are highly promising, particularly in terms of pulling power.

Deployed during the autumn harvest of potatoes, the electric tractor brought a distinct change to the usual scene on the Dutch arable farm. Instead of the customary roar of a diesel engine, the fields resonated with the soft hum of an electric motor. Director Coolbergen, expressing his excitement, noted, “There’s a lot of torque, and it’s immediately available. Fantastic!”

Charging capabilities through standard charging stations ensure uninterrupted operation, allowing the tractor to continue its tasks seamlessly. Coolbergen emphasized, “Vehicle electrification is something we‘re focused on. Many claim it’s unfeasible in agriculture due to limited range, but we want to be early adopters and collaborate with manufacturers. You have to start somewhere.”

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The coolers in the front for the batteries with two smaller fans arranged vertically. Behind them is a battery pack of 70 kWh. - Photos: Bob Karsten

Already proven in contraction business

Agromec, the Dutch Fendt importer, has already delivered 10 similar tractors, all in use by contractors involved in earthworks and road construction, accumulating nearly 7,000 operating hours. However, these electric tractors are yet to make their mark in agriculture, making KMWP’s trial an industry first for a 200 HP electric tractor.

Hans Quint, Director of Abemec, the parent company of Agromec, stated that the agricultural sector lags in electrification due to financial considerations. “It’s a substantial investment, and there’s no premium on your products yet. It’s different in infrastructure and road-construction, where zero-emission production is sometimes mandatory.”

Conversion of a standard Fendt 720 Vario

The development of this electric tractor involved the collaboration of the Dutch Fendt importer Agromec and Electric Construction Equipment (ECE). Using a modified Fendt 720 Vario as the base, all components related to diesel and exhaust gas treatment were removed, while retaining the Vario transmission.

The Vario transmission, being the core of the tractor, communicates with the TMS transmission control and directly powers various components. The transmission was not altered, as removing it would require multiple electric motors for wheels, power take-off, hydraulics, etc. Hence, the Vario remains unchanged.

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Agromec adds an additional display with details about the battery and electric motor to the left of the standard screen. It shows motor RPM, temperatures, battery charge levels, as well as the amount of torque being delivered or recovered.

Electric motor potentially delivering 420 HP

The transmission is now powered by an electric motor, specifically a permanent-magnet synchronous Danfoss motor without brushes. Although the motor is capable of delivering over 420 HP, it is tuned to mimic the performance characteristics of the Deutz diesel engine originally in the tractor.

Precision in cooling the batteries

Beneath the hood, atop the electric motor, lies a 70 kWh battery pack designed for short-term use, such as brief road travel and to bridge the swapping of large batteries in the front hitch. The cooling of electric components is crucial, with temperatures not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. Beyond this, the power delivery is automatically reduced up to 60 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a separate electric motor for the compressor (air brakes) and a 24-volt rooftop air conditioning unit are onboard, the latter controlled through a separate display in the roof edge.

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The battery protrudes 3.70 meters in front of the steering wheel, so cameras on both sides are mandatory. The camera angles still require fine-tuning.

Large battery pack in the front hitch

Attaching the battery pack in the front hitch is relatively straightforward due to a quick connection. The interchangeable battery is the same as used by ECE in electric construction machinery. The pack has a capacity of 140 kWh, providing approximately 3.5 hours of operation. Comparatively, a diesel tractor typically consumes 7 to 8 liters of diesel per hour. It’s worth noting that under full load, the battery depletes within an hour, although this rarely occurs in practical scenarios.

Battery Swap at Standard Charging Station

The depleted battery can be placed as a standalone unit at a charging station, and if it’s a fast charger, the battery can be fully charged within an hour. Detaching and attaching take approximately 1 to 2 minutes. The pack weighs 2,000 kilograms and measures 1.3 meters in height, 1.08 meters in length, and 1.3 meters in width, including the cooling and heating unit on top, ensuring optimal battery conditions.

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The battery pack is attached via a quick-coupling system to a modified (shortened) front hitch.

Front hitch occupied and high purchase price

With this system, the front hitch becomes unusable for combined tasks in the front and rear hitch. Additionally, the electrified Fendt comes with a considerable price tag, roughly around € 615,000 for the tractor, including one front hitch battery pack. Nevertheless, it offers a robust, emission-free tractor allowing almost continuous operation.