Rigitrac introduces 100% electric tractor

The newly introduced Rigitrac SKE 50 is fully electric driven. Back in 2011, at the Agritechnica show in Germany, the Swiss company already launched a hybrid prototype. The new Rigitrac SKE 50 however uses 4 electric motors: 1 for the front axle, 1 for the rear axle and 1 on each power take-off (front and rear). Total power output is 50 kW (68 bhp).

80 kWh lithium-ion battery package

The Rigitrac SKE 50 has a total weight of 2.8 tons. Striking features are its short nose and – relatively – large cab, which can hold 2 persons. The diesel engine has been replaced by a 80 kWh (400 volts) lithium-ion battery package. The electric drivetrain uses energy recovery, which means energy that is generated whilst braking is being fed back to the battery package.

_{Text continues underneath image}

Striking features of the Rigitrac SKE 50 are its short nose and – relatively – large cab, which can hold 2 persons. – Photo: Rigitrac

Rigitrac also equippes the SKE 50 with a so-called heat management system, with which the airconditioning and heating system work together with the energy recovery system.

5 hours with fully charged battery

A fully charged battery should make it possible to use the electric tractor for approximately 5 hours, according to Rigitrac. Its top speed is 40 km/h. The lifting mechanism in the rear can lift up to 1.800 kg. At the front up to 1.600 kg can be lifted. The front wheels are mounted with 425/55 R17 tires, at the rear 440/65 R24 tires are mounted. The track width of the Rigitrac SKE 50 is 133 cm.