One of the latest innovations on the John Deere stand and making its European debut was the E-Power prototype fully electric, battery powered tractor. Now ready to undergo European field testing, the E-Power prototype tractor is a brand-new purpose-built platform, available in vineyard, orchard, standard and high cab variants.

Based on the 5M platform, albeit with a slightly longer wheelbase and bonnet to accommodate the electric/battery components. There is room on board for up to five battery packs (39kWh each) to achieve the best possible run time. Inside the cab, everything is optimised for the electric powertrain, including smaller details such as new brake-by-wire and accelerator-by-wire systems.

The technology has been developed by Austrian manufacturer Kreisel Electric which was acquired by John Deere in 2022. There are four primary electric motors on board, two for hydraulics, one for PTO and one for traction which together deliver 130hp (97kW) and offer performance comparable to the equivalent 5M 130 diesel model, while weighing 500kg more. To the rear of the tractor, everything is identical to existing 5M diesel models. Units are set to be available in the US in the near future, while availability in Europe is still some time away.

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The E-Power tractor uses battery technology developed by Austrian manufacturer Kreisel Electric which was acquired by John Deere in 2022.