Agritechnica is held every two years and this year’s event attracted more than 450,000 visitors, including the Kondinin Group Research team of Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli.

The battery-powered Fendt tractor is a world first and was developed as part of a focus on powering equipment using renewable energies and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Using the powertrain of a 50kW Vario model, the electric Fendt is minus a combustion engine, exhaust, air and fuel systems and radiator, replaced by a battery block, compact electric motor and the necessary electrical control system. 

The 100kWh, 650V high-voltage, lithium ion battery charges quickly and stores enough power to work for four to five hours at an average workload. An innovative thermal management system that comprises a heat pump ensures the cab temperature is controlled efficiently. The battery pack can also serve as intermediate storage for farm-generated power. 

The electric modifications do not affect the tractor’s suitability for taking on any type of implements and the battery can be charged with 400V and up to 22kW via a standard CEE outdoor socket, or by a supercharging option with direct voltage. With a standard CCS type 2 plug, the battery can be recharged up to 80% in just 40 minutes.

Fendt expects the e100 Vario to be used on farms in trials next year.