Fendt is testing four new prototypes, already undergoing trials on farms across Germany.
The goal of the test is to gain practical experience using fuel cells in tractors and refueling infrastructure.
Although it’s still too early to say how long it will take to get hydrogen tractors ready for series production, the actual launch of a hydrogen-powered Fendt is getting closer.
The prototypes are built on the Fendt 700 Vario platform. The tractor is fitted with five hydrogen tanks, each holding 4.2 kg of hydrogen compressed to 700 bar, plus a 25 kWh battery. The prototype also has a Vario gearbox, but instead of a diesel engine it’s fitted with an electric motor rated at 100 kW/136 hp.
According to a Fendt product manager, electric batteries have currently reached their technological limit. Theoretically, running a large tractor for around 12 hours would require a battery weighing 15 tonnes. What’s more, a battery like that takes up a lot of space. This, in turn, worsens the visibility a tractor driver needs for safe operation. That’s why hydrogen fuel cells are the more advanced option.
