This document discusses an e-tractor program that aims to test electric tractors on farms to quantify the benefits of electric tractors over diesel ones, such as fuel and maintenance savings, reduced health impacts, and quieter operations. The program partners with producers and the electric tractor market to limit risks to farms, test various use cases, and grow awareness of electric tractors, while also identifying policies and workforce training to reduce barriers to electrifying agricultural equipment. Initial impressions from farmers testing electric tractors were very positive, noting the tractors were quieter and produced no diesel fumes.

1. Bridging the Gap: Rural Electric
Transportation Programs
Erin Galiger
Program Manager
4/13/21
E-Tractor Program
Photo @Dylan VanWeelden

2. Why Electric Tractors?
Photo @Dylan VanWeelden
Fuel and maintenance savings
Only uses energy while moving
Health impacts for farm workers
Quiet operations

3. Electric Tractor Market

4. Program Partners

5. Program
Approach
Limit risk to
participating
producers
Test various
use cases
Quantify
benefits of
electric
tractors
Grow
awareness
and demand
for e-tractors
Identify
policies to
reduce
barriers
Knowledge
transfer and
dissemination
Assess other
ag equipment
primed for
electrification
Identify
workforce
development
opportunities

6. First Impressions
“the wheels are louder than the tractor”
“no diesel fumes!“
“this is ludicrous mode”
“Through sharing outcomes of experimentation with traditional,
alternative, and innovative farm practices, Rusted Gate Farm
intends to identify a mix of income producing activities that will
increase average farm income, promote environmental health, and
insure long term financial security for small farms.”

7. Questions?