The T4 Electric Power Tractor is powered by a battery system that partners with a fully electrified drivetrain to deliver 55kW (74hp) of engine power
Often in a marketplace, the first to dip their toe in the water and then bite the bullet with a full production run as is the case with New Holland’s T4 Electric Power tractor, go on to form a strong bond with customers. But will that be the scenario in this instance.
In 2024, New Holland will introduce the first all-electric utility tractor with autonomous attributes. The T4 Electric Power.
This tractor will steal a march in what will be a new category in the tractor market, Utility Electric, with a focus on attracting small and hobby farms to clean electric power.
Some smart thinking has gone into just who might want to purchase a possible troublesome, unproven battery-powered workhorse, and this tractor will look good next to a dual cab Ute that is driven by a city slicker.
The rhetoric being pushed by New Holland for this launch in itself will turn every serious farmer away, I quote “The T4 Electric Power is a game-changing innovation that ushers in a new era of modern agriculture,” end quote.
Farmers will need a lot of convincing that the time of battery-powered tractors is upon us.
After all, some of the sweet-talking tractor sellers in our current market have convinced buyers to stick with proven cancer-causing carcinogenic engines that have been outlawed in the northern hemisphere since 1994.
Can’t see that bunch switching from their manufactured in China non-regulated engines to something more expensive to bring to market, when they already have a captive audience at their disposal, at a high-profit margin.
This is the marketplace the T4 Electric Power is entering, in this neck of the woods, and all by itself.
All on their lonesome, it will take some wizard marketing from the local New Holland crew to even get the Utility Electric category off and running with its first sale.
But while full-time farmers may take a while to come around the T4 Electric Power is a game-changing innovation that ushers in a current era, but due to its low power, it will be best suited to council, greenhouse and specialty vegetable and orchard crop applications.
New Holland has been somewhat of a pioneer in seeking alternative energy sources to power farm tractors. Such as the T7 Methane Power Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and the T6.180 Methane Power. Not exactly a tear-away success.
But the New Holland T4 Electric Power has reached production run status and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack. It will have the hallmarks that set these electric powered models apart from their diesel counterparts.
Delivery of power is a build-up process, gradual at first and then continuous torque achieved at low speeds, a different operating experience, but seamless and more appreciated during loader work cycles and regular jobbing routines.
If our current tractor market was familiar with non-toxic stage V engine technology and appreciated the $billions spent on making sure operators were not faced with cancer-causing carcinogens in their normal everyday operation, The T4 Electric Power tractor would be the next step.
What New Holland could be bringing to farmers with the T4 Electric Power tractor is a convergence of technology that utilises electric propulsion, along with autonomous functions where the operator can give instructions outside the tractor.
It is the setting for tractors that are more efficient to run and have clean non-cancer-causing engine fumes, with an overall better performance. This is a more sustainable and resilient future but doesn’t fit with the only first-world country that still allows unregulated engines.
Battery technology
Under the hood of the T4 Electric Power is a battery system partnered with a fully electrified drivetrain with a 110-kWh (150hp) maximum energy storage capacity.
The 400V nominal high-voltage circuit is able to provide 55kW (74hp) of rated engine power and 48kW (65hp) at the pto.
The T4 Electric Power has incorporated an efficient high-voltage powertrain with integrated cooling into a single operation from already established mass production makers. This tractor is offering pioneering, possibly yet-to-be-proven design solutions.
However, the T4 Electric Power does deliver on performance potential with 4WD and a proven 12×12 transmission, a clutch-less electronic power shuttle reverser and all the regular power outputs you will find a traditional diesel counterpart.
This includes rear electro-hydraulic pto, drawbar, multiple rear remotes, mid-mount valves and a robust, and complete, 725LU mechanical self-leveling front loader with third-function and a 2.1m bucket included.
As you would expect, this tractor’s electrified drivetrain is silent, but with high torque and fast responses achieved at very low speeds. The intrinsic electric motor’s characteristics, combined with the 12×12 electronic power shuttle transmission, allow an inexperienced operator to run implements with full control.
More experienced operators have the benefit of making infinite speed adjustments just by controlling motor revs. Smooth and gradual delivery of power at low speeds and constant delivery at high speeds.
The T4 Electric Power’s motor is a big advantage in noise sensitive areas. With virtually no noise and few vibrations compared to diesel, operating within farm buildings and around livestock is an advantage.
The T4 Electric Power was jointly designed by CNH Industrial Engineering in the United States at Burr Ridge Ill, Detroit and in Modena Italy with the draft to produce a battery-powered tractor with state-of-the-art functions from components aimed at durability and improved service life.
In general, considering light to medium and even heavy-duty applications over its daily jobbing, it’s estimated the tractor can provide 4 hours of average runtime with a battery charge. However, engineers suggest this can be extended up to 8 working hours for low energy demand applications.
The tractor can be recharged by multiple energy sources such as regular grids, solar panels, biodigesters and wind power in both Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). Operating in DC, it takes just one hour to reach 100% power when using commercially available fast charging systems.
In addition, the T4 Electric Power can be used as a power supply source whenever an operator needs it. Equipped with both 110V and 220V outlets, the tractor can power electric power tools for welding, drilling and cutting machines.
Autonomous technology
Smart autonomous functions and operator assistance modes are part of the T4 Electric Power tractor’s aim to improve daily farm jobbing with Precision Solutions & Telematics (PS&T), including safety, diagnostics and service.
Operator-assisted functions include Follow Me Mode, the Invisible Bucket and 360 Degree Awareness. Complemented further by other fully digital and connected functions like Over the Air Updates, Live View and Map Maker, which make this tractor a techno geek’s idea of heaven.
The T4 Electric Power tractor utilises cameras and sensors in the Smart Roof, while modes are activated via a modern touchscreen display. The result is improved performance and safety both inside and outside the cab.
Clean bold blue
A tractor as innovative as the T4 Electric Power deserves to stand out and the Clean Blue paint design denotes a New Holland tractor that’s powered by an alternative fuel source.
First debuted on the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG tractor, this determined shade of blue complements the CNH grey decals, while its unique hood design sports powerful LED headlights and work lights.
Operators can expect something more from the T4 Electric Power tractor cab with comfort built-in and supported by in-cab ergonomics that includes a redesigned digital instrument cluster and a colour touchscreen with an additional display.
The T4 Electric Power Tractor has just been introduced to US farmers today and is anticipated to be commercially available for delivery in North America through select dealers in early 2024
New Holland T4 Electric Power Tractor specs
