CNH introduces battery-electric, autonomous-ready tractor and a more-powerful LNG prototype

CNH Industrial recently introduced what it says is the world's first autonomous-ready, battery-electric light utility tractor at its Tech Day in Phoenix, Arizona. The New Holland T4 Electric Power is another step in the company's vision for extensive electrification and autonomy across its lineup.

The company said production would begin in late 2023 on the four-wheel-drive tractor. Its e-motor provides a continuous 75 hp (55 kW) and peaks at 120 hp (89 kW), with max torque of 236 lb-ft (440 Nm) and a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h). All those performance figures - which are comparable to the many internal-combustion (IC) tractors in the light utility category - start with a 95-kWh battery pack. Engineers said the tractor's battery can power a full day of work for many mission profiles. That's largely because power is used on-demand and never at idle as with an IC-powered rig. If a mid-use charge is required, the battery can be charged to 100% capacity in about an hour with standard fast-charging systems.