With the continuous innovation and development of the new energy technology revolution, the manufacturing and application technology of new energy agricultural machinery has gradually matured. In recent years, many domestic agricultural machinery companies have launched new energy tractors with different technical routes, and have continuously expanded product upgrades, industrial upgrades and market promotion work.

1. Main technologies and features of hybrid and electric tractors

Faced with new development opportunities, domestic leading and powerful agricultural machinery companies have mainly developed and manufactured new energy tractor products represented by hybrid and electric tractors based on their resources and capabilities and combined with potential market demand.

(Zoomlion’s first 400- horsepower hybrid tractor)

The key technology of hybrid tractors is mainly power system integration technology, covering three core areas: power source, energy management and transmission speed change. The first is power source technology. The combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor is used. When working under heavy load, the internal combustion engine is the main engine and the electric motor is auxiliary. When working under light load, it is mainly driven by the electric motor. The connection mode adopts three modes: series, parallel and hybrid. The series mode adopts the internal combustion engine to drive the generator to generate electricity, which supplies power to the electric motor to drive the wheels. The parallel mode adopts the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to provide power to the drive wheels separately or synchronously. The hybrid mode combines the characteristics of series and parallel, with a complex structure and flexible control. The second is energy management system technology. Energy distribution is based on the working conditions and battery power, and the output power of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is intelligently distributed. When the battery power is sufficient and the load is small, the electric motor is used first; when the power is low or the load is high, the internal combustion engine is started and the battery is charged. When braking or decelerating, the drive motor switches to generator mode to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy storage to improve energy utilization. The third is transmission and speed change technology. The continuously variable transmission system driven by electricity or hydraulics ensures that the tractor can operate efficiently under different operating speeds and loads. It ensures that the power of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is efficiently and smoothly transmitted to the drive wheels and the power output shaft, reducing power loss and transmission noise.

The key technologies of electric tractors are mainly battery technology, motor and electronic control technology, transmission and speed change technology, and intelligent control technology. In terms of battery technology , lithium-ion batteries are usually used. According to the tractor’s operating needs and endurance requirements, a battery pack with appropriate capacity and power is selected. Real-time monitoring of battery voltage, current, temperature, state of charge and other parameters is carried out to protect against overcharge, overdischarge and overheating, balance the power of each single cell in the battery pack, and extend the battery life. In terms of motor and electronic control technology , permanent magnet synchronous motors have become the preferred motors for electric tractors. Advanced control algorithms such as vector control and direct torque control are used to accurately control the speed and torque of the motor, realize the smooth starting, acceleration, deceleration and braking of the electric tractor, and improve the operating efficiency and response speed of the motor. In terms of transmission and speed change technology , the transmission system mainly adopts mechanical transmission, electric transmission or hydraulic transmission. Electric transmission does not require a complex mechanical gearbox, and realizes power transmission and speed change by controlling the motor speed and direction. It has a simple structure and high transmission efficiency. Continuously variable speed: Utilizing the speed regulation characteristics of the motor, electronic control technology is used to achieve continuously variable speed, so that the tractor can flexibly adjust the speed in different operating scenarios, improving operating efficiency and adaptability. In terms of intelligent control technology , satellite navigation, visual recognition and other technologies are combined to achieve autonomous navigation and path planning of electric tractors, improving operating accuracy and efficiency. Equipped with sensors, it monitors the operating environment and crop information in real time, automatically adjusts operating parameters, and realizes precision agricultural operations.

2. Performance of domestic new energy tractor products

In recent years, new energy tractors have developed rapidly. China First Tractor, Envision Heavy Industries, Liugong and other companies exhibited hybrid tractors, and Zoomlion and other companies exhibited pure electric tractors. These products are innovative practices of green and intelligent agricultural machinery and equipment, and are of great significance to promoting the transformation and upgrading of my country’s agricultural machinery and equipment.

China First Tractor Dongfanghong HB2204 adopts a hybrid connection structure, an electric drive continuously variable transmission system, the whole machine is simple and comfortable to operate, and has an independent diagnosis and alarm system. The localization rate of the whole machine has reached more than 85%. Yingxuan TX3004 – 8HEV is a series hybrid travel system, oil-electric hybrid, breaking the traditional drive mode. Matching FISG motor + DM main drive motor + AMT two-speed continuously variable transmission instead of traditional mechanical transmission, the speed conversion is flexible and convenient, and it can easily meet various working conditions. Lingong Agricultural Machinery 7E series innovatively adopts hybrid technology, the core of which is the electric transmission and mechanical transmission coupling technology (EMCVT) with the best transmission efficiency. This technology significantly improves the operating efficiency through precise energy distribution and efficient transmission, while reducing the overall fuel consumption, bringing users a more comfortable driving experience. In addition, the 7E series is equipped with Chongqing Yunchen’s high-performance battery, which not only provides stable and reliable power support for the hybrid system, but also has an electric output function, which can be flexibly adapted to a variety of agricultural implements, further expanding the application scenarios and practicality of the equipment. Zhongke Yuandongli has launched two high-horsepower electric tractors in the 2000 series, the 2004ET and the 2604ET, of which the 2604ET is currently the world’s largest horsepower intelligent electric tractor. Zoomlion has manufactured a 50-horsepower pure electric tractor with international advanced level, focusing on the application of new energy electric drive and the development of intelligent kits, powertrain electrification, independent drive of travel and operation systems, and integrated design of reducer and transfer case. It is the first electric tractor for facility gardening in China to enter substantial promotion.

It is worth paying close attention to that Chongqing Yunchen, a well-known domestic new energy enterprise , has actively integrated its corporate strategy into the national strategy and launched the industry’s highest power density super hybrid battery system products and a series of energy storage battery products. With service outlets throughout the country, it provides customers with comprehensive 7×24-hour service response and rapid problem solutions. On the basis of supporting products of well-known domestic automobile companies, engineering machinery companies, etc., its products have steadily entered the agricultural field and implemented in-depth cooperation with many well-known diesel engine and agricultural machinery host companies. With high-quality products, it has coordinated the development of tractor products and has won the general high recognition of machine buyers.

III. Constraints in the Current Market

Electric and hybrid tractors have product technology and performance issues that need to be further improved. Users have limited knowledge and acceptance of new technologies, are used to traditional fuel tractors, and are concerned about the reliability and maintenance of hybrid and electric technologies, so they are not very enthusiastic about purchasing them.

The price of hybrid tractors is relatively high, mainly due to the high cost of key components such as battery packs and electric motors, which leads to high prices for the whole machine and great pressure on users to buy. In terms of technology, the performance of batteries deteriorates after long-term use and requires regular maintenance and replacement. The battery cycle life is limited and the replacement cost is high, which increases the operating cost. The stability of power output needs to be improved, and the power switching will not be smooth when engaged in complex working conditions.

Compared with fuel tractors, electric tractors have limited battery energy density and short cruising range, making it difficult to meet the needs of long-term and large-scale operations. The lack of charging infrastructure in rural areas makes it difficult to achieve continuous operation. At the same time, the long charging time affects the operating income. The technology of high-power electric tractors has yet to mature, and the power performance is not as good as that of traditional fuel tractors under conditions such as deep plowing, deep loosening, and combined operations.

4. Quality Development Trend

With the empowerment of technology and the pull of demand, the quality of hybrid and electric tractors will steadily improve, showing a clear development trend. In the future, these tractor products will better meet the needs of farmland operations.

First, battery technology continues to advance, and battery energy density increases, which increases the range of hybrid and electric tractors and shortens charging time. The product’s power performance will also be enhanced, making it suitable for farmland operations under complex working conditions.

Second, intelligent applications are significant. Integrating 5G, Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence and other technologies, remote monitoring, automatic adjustment of operating parameters, automatic fault diagnosis and early warning are realized, and the automatic driving function is more mature, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of operations, reduces labor intensity, and improves the level of intelligence and management efficiency.

The third is integration and integration. The hybrid system will be more complete, and the power system and transmission system will be more integrated. The motor, electronic control, and battery system of the electric tractor will also be deeply integrated to improve the overall performance and reliability.

Chongqing Yunchen is a new energy technology company that focuses on the research and development, production, sales and service of energy storage and power lithium-ion battery systems, big data cloud platforms and battery intelligent management systems. It continues to innovate forward-looking technologies such as batteries and intelligent management, and continuously launches new products to provide more advanced, higher-performance and lower-cost solutions for high-power application scenarios such as commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, engineering machinery and special equipment. It is committed to continuing to lead and promote the pace of industry development, and systematically and comprehensively providing users with “high safety, long life and smarter” smart energy solutions.

5. Future Market Demand and Application Scenarios

The new energy tractor market is currently in the market introduction stage. The market size is relatively small, but the growth potential is huge. It is expected to become a new growth track for the industry. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the maturity of technology and the reduction of costs, the market share of hybrid and electric tractors will gradually expand, and their application in agricultural production will be more extensive. According to incomplete and simple estimates, by 2030, the domestic new energy tractor market size demand will be close to 50,000 units.

In addition to existing agricultural scenarios , new energy tractor products will be expanded to forestry, fruit industry, urban greening and other fields from the perspective of user needs to meet the power needs of different scenarios. Large-scale operation plots require hybrid and electric tractors with strong power and long battery life to complete large-scale ploughing, sowing, fertilization, harvesting and other operations. Small-scale operation plots, orchards, vegetable fields, etc. are suitable for the use of small hybrid and electric tractors, which can operate in narrow spaces to meet the needs of plant protection and fertilization in orchards, and plowing and ridging of vegetable fields. In greenhouse and other facility agriculture, the demand for environmentally friendly and low-noise electric and hybrid tractors has increased. It can operate in a closed environment, can achieve energy conservation and environmental protection, is conducive to crop growth, and improves the production efficiency and quality of facility agriculture.

(World tractor equipped with Chongqing Yunchen battery)

Using hybrid and electric tractors can save a lot of fuel costs. Their maintenance costs are also relatively low, which can reduce the overall operating costs for users. Hybrid and electric tractors have better power output smoothness and precise control performance, and are easier and more flexible to operate, which can improve the quality and efficiency of operations.

At present, more and more domestic enterprises are developing new energy agricultural machinery, and product development is progressing steadily, constantly expanding and accelerating the pace of development of the industry. Hybrid and electric tractors can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fuel tractors. In order to promote the development of green industries, the government will introduce more policies such as machine purchase subsidies and tax incentives in the future to encourage agricultural machinery enterprises to develop, manufacture and users to purchase and use new energy agricultural machinery products. Driven by demand, it is expected to usher in a new round of rapid development opportunities.

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Post time: Mar-20-2025