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The hybrid Auga M1: A Lithuanian powerhouse in testing phase

The Auga M1 features a hybrid drive system. You “refuel” with (bio)methane gas, which powers the combustion engine. A generator mounted at the back of the engine produces electricity for the wheel motors and the battery pack. – Photos: Mark Pasveer.
The Auga M1 features a hybrid drive system. You “refuel” with (bio)methane gas, which powers the combustion engine. A generator mounted at the back of the engine produces electricity for the wheel motors and the battery pack. – Photos: Mark Pasveer.

In Lithuania, efforts are underway to develop a completely new tractor: the Auga M1, a 500-horsepower tractor with four equal-sized wheels. This hybrid tractor combines a combustion engine powered by (bio)methane gas with a generator and battery pack, enabling it to drive electrically. Here’s a first impression.

The dark-brown tractor moves almost silently over the factory grounds in Rokiškis, in northern Lithuania. The only sound is a soft humming as the tractor is positioned for photos. Known as the Auga M1, this tractor uses a hybrid system. You fuel it with (bio)methane gas, which powers a combustion engine. Directly behind the engine, a generator is attached to produce electricity for both the wheel motors and the battery pack. The idea is that when the engine power isn’t needed, the energy is stored in the battery.

During the visit, the tractor operated silently because it was running entirely on the battery pack. Mindaugas Sakalauskas, the team member working on the tractor’s electrical components, hadn’t loaded methane gas cylinders, so the tractor was powered by the energy stored in its battery pack.

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De 500-pk-sterke Auga M1-trekker is 4 meter hoog, weegt 13 ton en staat op viermaal IF 900/50 R42-banden.
The 500-horsepower Auga M1 tractor is 4 meters high, weighs 13 tons, and is equipped with four IF 900/50 R42 tires.

Three tractor versions in testing phase

Four tractors have been built so far, including one green prototype similar in concept to the dark-brown Auga M1, of which three are currently operational. All three are undergoing tests, starting their second season. While the three tractors are essentially the same, each is constructed slightly differently to test various components. The configuration that performs best in real-world testing will enter production and hit the market.

Auga test verschillende motoren. Hier een Ford V8-motor die draait op biomethaangas.
Auga is testing various engines. Here is a Ford V8 engine running on biomethane gas.

Large scale initiave

Behind the tractor’s development is the Auga Group, a large company managing approximately 38,000 hectares of organic farmland across ten locations throughout Lithuania. The Auga Group also has offices and processing facilities in Vilnius. The tractors are built at a factory in Rokiškis and primarily tested at their Smilgiai location, a 1.5-hour drive away. This site includes a 3,000-hectare arable farm, a dairy farm, and a biogas plant, with the latter providing fuel for the Auga M1.

The Auga Group is building the tractor at a factory site in Rokiškis, in northern Lithuania. Three of these tractors have been constructed, each slightly different to test various components.
The Auga Group is building the tractor at a factory site in Rokiškis, in northern Lithuania. Three of these tractors have been constructed, each slightly different to test various components.

Auga Tech, the Auga Group’s manufacturing division, aims to produce twenty Auga M1 tractors by 2026. Plans are already underway for an electric tractor, the Auga E1, with field testing set to begin later this year and a target production of sixty units.

The front wheels are powered by a single electric motor located at the front, underneath the tractor.
The front wheels are powered by a single electric motor located at the front, underneath the tractor.

Electric motors

The tractor manufacturer is not yet ready to reveal the exact technology behind the sleek exterior. It’s also too early to confirm which components Auga will ultimately use, as these are still being tested this year.

The Auga M1 runs on a Ford V8 gas engine connected to a bright green generator, with a battery pack located behind the cabin. The rear wheels feature wheel motors within the large axles, while a single electric motor powers the front wheels via a short driveshaft.

Standing 4 meters tall, the Auga M1 boasts 500 horsepower, weighs 13 tons, and rides on massive IF 900/50 R42 tires. Only the front wheels steer, with the rear axle fixed, and the front axle can pivot but is not suspended.

The rear wheels contain electric wheel motors, which eliminates the need for a transmission or differential. This space is used to load gas cassettes.
The rear wheels contain electric wheel motors, which eliminates the need for a transmission or differential. This space is used to load gas cassettes.

Cassette refueling system

Auga has designed a unique refueling system for the tractor using methane gas cassettes. These cassettes, containing around 240 cubic meters of compressed gas, fit into the rear section of the tractor, accessible by opening the back like a cargo helicopter. You can swap the cassettes using a forklift or telehandler on the field, enabling the Auga M1 to work up to 12 hours on a single tank and quickly refuel.

The hitch system has been specially developed for the tractor due to the opening flap. A camera is mounted to assist with attaching and detaching implements.
The hitch system has been specially developed for the tractor due to the opening flap. A camera is mounted to assist with attaching and detaching implements.
The gas cassettes are loaded at the rear of the tractor, where the back opens up (as shown here). Any attached implement needs to be temporarily removed for this process. Hydraulic connections are located at the bottom..

The gas cassettes are loaded at the rear of the tractor, where the back opens up (as shown here). Any attached implement needs to be temporarily removed for this process. Hydraulic connections are located at the bottom..
Karsten
Bob Karsten Editor for TREKKER magazine