Solectrac, an Ideanomics Company, launches new e70N Electric Tractor, delivering to California vineyards and farms
Solectrac, a subsidiary of Ideanomics announced the launch of the all-new e70N electric tractor, a specially designed, narrow model purpose-built for easy handling and maneuverability on vineyards and farm operations. The news follows the Company’s July 1, 2021 announcement that long-time agriculture and construction industry veteran Mani Iyer has been appointed Solectrac CEO.
The Solectrac e70N (Narrow) electric tractor is a 4WD, 70 HP (horsepower) vehicle designed for larger agricultural applications including farms, vineyards, and orchards. The e70N opens a bold new market of opportunities for Solectrac. With up to eight hours of operation from a single charge and the ability to extend that time via swappable battery packs, the e70N allows operators to work more efficiently. The electric tractor sports a narrow 54-inch width, and Level 2 charging via 220 VAC or a solar array. The e70N is now available for pre-order with a fully refundable $1,000 deposit. Delivery expected in Spring 2022.
“The e70N is yet another innovative electric tractor breakthrough from Solectrac, this time focused on commercial-level, heavy-duty farm and vineyard operations,” said Solectrac CEO Mani Iyer. “This category of zero-emission electric tractors is in high demand as many farmers look to cut emissions and reduce noise pollution, but still require larger, more powerful vehicles with easy maneuverability. The e70N, with swappable battery pack technology, was designed to meet the needs of these customers. The unique and multi-faceted new model will position Solectrac to gain market share and compete very favorably with medium- and heavy-duty tractors in both agriculture and commercial tractor segments.”
Solectrac manufactured and delivered e70N electric tractors to three local farms and vineyards in California on June 29-30, 2021, including The Mushroom Farm in Pescadero, Arroyo Lindo Vineyard in Windsor, and Old School Vineyard in Napa. The delivery of these tractors was supported by a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Funding Agriculture Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions Demonstration Program (FARMER) which provides incentives to reduce agriculture sector air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. The FARMER program provides up to 80 percent of the cost for farmers to replace diesel tractors with less polluting alternatives. The California Air Resources Board created a new project category for advanced technology demonstration projects to show the viability of new technologies, such as Solectrac’s electric tractors, to perform the same work as the diesel equipment they would replace. Solectrac is one of the first recipients of this new project category.
This project was supported by the California Climate Investments program. The FARMER program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California.
“We were excited when we learned that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District was going to support a demonstration project for an electric tractor that could be used on commercial farms like ours,” said Michelle Riddle, VP of Vineyard Management for Arroyo Lindo Vineyard and Old School Vineyards. “Solectrac’s electric tractors are appealing to us because they are quiet and diesel-free, so they reduce our local emissions. Part of being sustainable is creating a healthy and safe environment for the people who work here at the vineyard. An electric tractor with no exhaust and much less noise will help us do that.”
Solectrac provides zero-emission electric tractor models for applications that span the spectrum of small hobby farms and special utility operations to larger-scale, commercial-level vineyards and farms. Customer deliveries are happening every month, with new orders expected to deliver in Spring 2022.
