World's First Fuel Cell Tractor Debuts in Italy

February 11th, 2009 by Ariel Schwartz

Attention, farmers: New Holland introduced the world’s first fuel cell tractor today in Turin, Italy, and it looks like a fun ride. The tractor’s fuel cell generates 106hp, and its hydrogen tank can hold enough to power the tractor for 1.5 to 2 hours.

New Holland’s tractor lacks a gearbox or clutch. Instead, drivers increase or decrease the motor’s power to speed up or slow down.

While hydrogen obviously requires electricity (often derived from fossil fuels), New Holland believes that farms are an ideal place for a hydrogen-powered vehicle since many of them make their own fuel or produce electricity from wind and solar sources.

The company says that the tractor will be out for testing in 2011, with a full roll-out expected in 2013. New Holland is staying silent about the pricetag, but the fuel cell alone costs €300,000.

Photo Credit: Farmer’s Weekly









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