Analysis of A Fully Electric Tractor Performance Through Field Trials in Rwanda

Off-road agricultural vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including tractors which have not been considered in the past. While tractor operation poses threats to the environment, generally through toxic gas emissions, tractors are key components in mechanizing agriculture practices which satisfies food demand with increased efficiency. Given this context, in this paper, the performance and viability of an electric tractor called e-Tractor hereafter, is analyzed, and evaluated. A literature review was conducted to demonstrate the relevance of agriculture mechanization in the African context and to determine how the mechanization can be supported in a sustainable way by using clean energy. Field trials of the e-Tractor and subsequent analysis showed that the operational cost is lower than that of a conventional diesel tractor. Results also suggest that within slightly more than 130 hours of tilling, the e-Tractor would have paid off CO
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emissions that resulted from its Li-ion battery manufacturing processes.