Recently unveiled in the USA, New Holland hopes their T4 Electric Power prototype will deliver the future of Zero emission machinery.
With an industry drive towards net zero and a demand for improved efficiencies, several manufactures are investing in the development of low emission and autonomous vehicles. New Holland has entered into this market, revealing its T4 Electric Power at the companys New Tech day in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Currently shown as a prototype, the manufacturer says it has plans to put units into production in late 2023.
Chief digital and information officer, CNH Industrial, Marc Kermisch said: The T4 Electric Power is the ideal solution for lower horsepower operations. It is suited to agricultural, municipality, orchard and specialty applications.
"We know our customers are eager to adopt this type of product, so it makes perfect sense for us to continue our [agricultural] electrification journey with this platform."
Fitted within the T4 Electric Power, the 120hp e-source power pack allows the unit to operate as an external generator, capable of delivering power for tasks such as farm welding and the possibility of electrically driven implements.
When linked to a renewable power source, the tractor can theoretically operate with zero emissions. A claimed charge time of about one hour on a commercially available fast charge system, typically operating from a three phase supply.
In line with current T4 diesel models, it will be suppled in a four-wheel drive only, with a maximum forward speed of 40kph.
New Holland claim the T4 Electric Power concept reduces operating costs by up to 90%, with the elimination of diesel fuel costs and associated maintenance fees.
Vehicle noise and vibration are also claimed to be reduced by 90% in comparison to its diesel equivalent.
CNH Industrial have new styling across its sustainable tractors and the range has been designed to generate a new look for the brand, with a new clean blue colour scheme.
Other design features include the illumination of the New Holland bonnet badge and black wheel rims.
Fitted to the cab roof detailing around the work lights, a series of sensors and camera units are supplied, claiming capabilities of offering 360-degree visual depth perception, allowing autonomous detection of obstacles.
Autonomy is one of the more interesting features, working together with telematics and auto guidance the T4 Electric Power should be able to deliver in-field tasks through a shadowing mode, giving the operator the ability to synchronise machines to work together. CNH Industrial claim its fleet management system will be cable of implement recognition, which will let the farm manager assign tasks to unit, ensuring the tractor links to the required attachment. Machine performance monitoring, will be connected to 5G networks, providing remote monitoring via a tablet.
Future autonomy developments hold the possibility of reducing the pressure on labour shortages, as well as delivering precision work output, reducing inputs and time. But this will all require a change in legislation, better digital infrastructure to allow autonomous information to be relayed and an industry desire to take up the technology.
Photo A New Holland T4 Electric power , extends the brands range of sustainable power products.
Photo B New styling includes a new clean blue colour scheme and illuminated brand emblem.
Photo C Cab roof features built-in camera system and sensors capable of 360-degree vision.
James Huyton
