How does an electric tractor work? Drive and battery

The short answer

An electric tractor runs on electric motors powered by a battery, instead of a diesel engine with a fuel tank. Knegt's electric compact tractors have two separate electric motors: one for driving and one of 15 hp for the hydraulics. The 24 or 34 kWh lithium battery is charged from a standard 230V socket or with a fast charger.

The result is a tractor that works almost silently and without emissions, delivers pulling power instantly and uses no energy while standing still. Below we explain step by step how the technology works and what it means for your daily work.

The drive: two electric motors instead of one diesel engine

In a diesel tractor, one combustion engine drives everything: the wheels, the hydraulic pump and the PTO. To keep enough oil pressure for a front loader or implement, that engine often has to stay at high revs, even when you drive slowly.

For its electric models, Knegt uses a different layout. The tractor has one electric motor for driving and a separate 15 hp electric motor for the hydraulics. This means hydraulic power is always available, even while you are driving. The three electric models are built as follows:

• Knegt 304G2E: 30 hp drive motor + 15 hp hydraulics, 45 hp in total.

• Knegt 404G2E: 40 hp drive motor + 15 hp hydraulics, 55 hp in total.

• Knegt 504G3E: 50 hp drive motor + 15 hp hydraulics, 65 hp in total.

An electric motor delivers its pulling power straight from standstill. You notice this when pulling away, when pushing with the front loader and when manoeuvring in a narrow yard or stable. All three models have four-wheel drive and power steering.

The battery: the heart of the electric tractor

Where a diesel tractor has a fuel tank, an electric tractor stores its energy in a battery. Knegt uses a lithium battery, and when you buy the tractor you choose a capacity of 24 kWh or 34 kWh. The larger the capacity, the more energy is available for a working day.

The battery powers both electric motors: the drive motor as well as the motor for the hydraulics.

Some key features of the battery:

• The lithium battery is rated for 3,500 charging cycles.

• Opportunity charging is always possible; you do not need to run the battery flat first.

• An extra battery pack is available as an option for long days.

Because there is no engine oil, no fuel filters and no injectors, maintenance is simpler than with diesel. A service is due every 350 operating hours or once a year.

Charging and working time: how the energy gets into the tractor

Charging is simpler than many people expect. You do not need a special charging station to get started.

• From a standard 230V socket, a full charge takes 8 to 10 hours, ideal for charging overnight.

• With the optional fast charger, you charge the battery from 30 to 80 percent in about 2.5 hours, for example during a break.

• If you have solar panels, you can charge with your own electricity during the day.

How long a full battery lasts depends on the model, the chosen battery and above all on how hard you work. According to the specifications, the electric Knegt models run for roughly 3 to 9 hours on one charge, depending on workload and battery choice. Light work such as transport or sweeping uses less power than heavy pushing or an implement that runs continuously on the hydraulics.

One important difference from diesel: an electric tractor uses no energy while standing still. No engine is idling while you wait, load or talk.

Electric or diesel: what do you notice in daily use?

The technology is different, but the work stays the same: mowing, sweeping, loading, transporting and driving implements. What you notice in practice:

• Noise: an electric tractor works almost silently. That is a real advantage in stables, around animals, in residential areas and wherever people relax or play sport.

• Emissions: there are no exhaust fumes, so you can also work indoors, for example in a stable, greenhouse or warehouse.

• Refuelling becomes charging: you do not need diesel storage, just a fixed charging spot with a socket.

• Implements: you work with the same kinds of implements as on a compact diesel tractor. The 404G2E and 504G3E have a PTO with 540 and 1,000 rpm.

• Options: a luxury cab and a Stoll front loader are available.

• Road use: the tractors are CE approved and road legal in Europe.

Would you rather choose diesel, for example because you work long days with no chance to recharge? Knegt also builds diesel models: the 304G2, 404GT and 504GT.

Frequently asked questions

What if the battery runs low during work?

You top it up from a 230V socket or with the optional fast charger, which charges from 30 to 80 percent in about 2.5 hours. An extra battery pack is available for long days.

Why does the Knegt have a separate motor for the hydraulics?

So that hydraulic power is always available, regardless of how fast you drive. That is useful when working with a front loader or a hydraulically driven implement.

How long does the battery of an electric tractor last?

On one charge, a Knegt runs for roughly 3 to 9 hours, depending on model, battery choice and workload. The lithium battery is rated for 3,500 charging cycles.

Can I use an electric tractor indoors?

Yes. Because there are no exhaust fumes, you can also use the tractor in stables, greenhouses and warehouses.

See for yourself how it works

Reading about an electric compact tractor is one thing, driving one yourself is another. Request a free demo and experience on your own site how quiet and responsive an electric Knegt is. Would you first like to know which model, battery and charging solution suit your work? Book a consultation, request a quote or find a Knegt dealer near you.