Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India

Ashish Malik ⇑, Shivam Kohli
Manipal University Jaipur, Dehmi-Kalan, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for nearly 55% of Indian population, feeding 1.3 billion
Received 28 February 2020 people and contributing significantly to the country GDP. Tractors play a crucial role in increasing agri-
Accepted 22 April 2020 cultural productivity. Indian tractor industry has come a long way in terms of production capacity and
Available online xxxx
technology in last few decades. Govt. of India is promoting eco-friendly vehicles through Faster
Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme. This paper presents a review
Keywords: of Indian tractor market and points out the government measures to curb the air pollution due to agri-
Electric tractors
cultural machinery. Incorporation of electric drives in tractor and agricultural machinery offer several
Electric vehicle technologies
Indian tractor market
advantages including better energy efficiency and expanded functionalities. State-of-art electric vehicle
Agricultural machinery technologies and latest electric tractors being introduced worldwide are presented in this work. The arti-
Electrification in farming cle discusses the benefits of electrification of farm machinery and present the challenges in its implemen-
tation for agricultural in India. Though high torque, low maintenance, low operational cost and zero
emissions are strong reasons for electric tractor adoption, however, very high initial cost, lack of charging
infrastructure and lack awareness towards vehicle emissions are major deterrents.
Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Con-
ference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering and Nanotechnology.

1. Introduction equipment and resources is the key for survival in agricultural

Increasingly large number of automobiles and fossil fuel-based
mobility in use around the world are causing serious health prob-
lems [1], deteriorating air quality and creating global warming
issues. Progressively more rigorous emissions and fuel efficiency
standards are stimulating the aggressive development of safer,
cleaner, and more efficient vehicles. Electric mobility using renew-
able sources of energy is the key to a sustainable future with
replacement of fossil energy sources in the long term.
The global demand for food and other agricultural products is
increasing because of rising human population. Farmers are facing
growing pressure to increase productivity per hectare around the
world. Climate change as well as strict regulation for use of pesti-
cides and chemical fertilizers aggravate this pressure. In this con-
text, role of digital technologies, IoT and hi-tech farm machinery
using renewable energy become inevitable to make farming smar-
ter and profitable (Fig. 1). Sustainable agriculture with optimiza-
tion of farming procedures and maximum utilization of
industry and add value in the agricultural value chain.
Agriculture sector utilize massive machinery and vehicles for
various tasks and processes to be executed. The mechanization of
farming equipment leads to higher yields from agricultural lands.
The vehicles used in agricultural sectors include tractors, threshers,
combines, wagons, loaders, pickup trucks, haulage trucks, ATV’s,
etc. Tractors could perform tasks efficiently and continuously for
several hours, thereby considerably reducing the time required
for planting, irrigating, growing and harvesting. This has resulted
in increased crop production with higher frequency. Traditionally,
like all other vehicles, agricultural vehicles are Internal Combus-
tion (IC) engine-based machines and consumes massive amount
of fossil fuel and hence contribute significant amount of pollutants
into the environment. Lack of proper pollution control regulations
of agricultural vehicles and poor maintenance compounds the
environment pollution caused by such vehicles. There is an urgent
need for electrification of farm machinery.

1.1. Role of tractors

⇑ Corresponding author. Tractors are the modern work horse and traditionally been used
E-mail address: ashish.malik@jaipur.manipal.edu (A. Malik). on farms to mechanize several agricultural tasks and activities.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
2214-7853/Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering and Nanotechnology.

Please cite this article as: A. Malik and S. Kohli, Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
2 A. Malik, S. Kohli / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

the U.S. (95%), Brazil (75%) and China (57%) [6]. However, thanks
to the increased support to farmers by nationalized banks in form
of low interest loans, better agricultural policies by government
and improved penetration of tractor dealerships in rural India,
level of mechanization has seen strong growth in recent decades.
Indian farm machinery market was valued at Rs. 320 billion in
2015–16 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.74% to reach Rs.
400 billion by 2019–20.
Tractor market is among the biggest segments in the category of
farm equipment in the country, with annual sales of 600,000–
700,000 units. Local tractor production in India started in 1961,
and at present there are 16 domestic companies in addition to four
global brands manufacturing tractors on Indian soil. Regarding
market share, five companies in India account for more than 80%
Fig. 1. Benefits of Smart Farming.
of the share in the tractor industry – Mahindra and Mahindra,
TAFE, ITL-Sonalika, Escorts, and John Deere, with Mahindra and
Mahindra being the largest player. Currently, India is the biggest
Modern tractors are used for ploughing, tilling, planting fields,
manufacturer and market in the world for tractors. Fig. 2 shows
reaping and harvesting, in addition to routine lawn care, landscape
that tractor production has seen ups and downs in last few years
maintenance, moving or spreading fertilizer & pesticides and clear-
[6,7]. The country produced 619,000 tractors in 2013, accounting
ing bushes. Tractors offer multiple advantages [2], such as:
for 29% of the total output worldwide. However, there is a sharp
downturn during 2015–16, due to a reduction in farm incomes
 Wide range of models and options to suit specific tasks and
because of decline in production of major crops as well as softening
requirements. Starting with compact tractors in a horsepower
commodity prices with lower procurements by the government.
range of 15hp for small farmers growing vegetables up to
Interestingly, as per latest figures from Tractor Manufacturers
40hp for heavy duty landscaping jobs, digging, hauling or
Association [8], FY18 had closed with a record 22 per cent growth
ploughing on large gardens, fields & pastures, orchards and
and sales volumes of 711,478 units, compared to 582,846 units a
vineyards. Bigger rigs (in range of 80 hp and above) are used
year ago. Within the tractor market, the 41–50 HP segment is the
for mechanizing complex farming tasks using farming
largest selling unit, followed by the 31–40 HP segment (Fig. 3).
equipment.
 Versatile in design and manufactured to perform a wide range
of tasks in field.
3. Air pollution by tractors
 Power and durability to run over rough terrain and pull extre-
mely heavy loads, making them effective in tough farming or
Regulation of emissions for off-road vehicles in India started in
landscape tasks.
1999 through Bharat Tractor Emission (Trem) Stage-I, which was
 Ease of transmission and operation with power shift transmis-
implemented for agricultural diesel tractors. In 2003, the imple-
sion and hydrostatic transmission to simplify operations
mentation of Stage-II set PM emission limits for the first time [9].
These limits were further tightened in 2005 through Stage-III.
The aim of this study is to present electric tractors as an alter-
However, the emission standards of Stage-I, II and III had one set
native solution to polluting IC engine-based tractors. As the auto-
of limits for all engine capacities, which was not justified. At pre-
motive industry is witnessing the paradigm shift towards electric
sent, tractors are under Bharat Stage IIIA regulations, which was
mobility, the farming tractor industry must not fall behind with
implemented in 2010 and 2011. These limits followed the Euro-
traditional diesel engines. Several tractor and farm machinery
pean Union’s (EU’s) Stage III and differentiated the emission stan-
manufacturers such as John Deere, Fendt, Solectrac, Rigitrac, Claas,
dards for off-road vehicles by engine size. Engines larger than
Escorts, Kubota and Schaffer have been working on electrification
37 kW (50 hp) have more stringent limits. Table 1 summarize the
of farm machinery and showcased their electric tractor prototypes
emission limits of all Bharat stage standards. The Automotive
at different trade exhibitions [3] and pilot scale implementations
Research Association of India (ARAI) has published a summary of
are in process. This paper is studying the benefits and challenges
emissions regulations [10] that propose emission standards for
associated with adaptation of electric tractors in Indian scenario.

2. India – a growing market for tractors

Agriculture and its allied sectors are the primary source of

livelihood for nearly 55% of Indian population [4]. In addition to
providing food and nutritional requirements of 1.3 billion Indians,
agriculture contributes significantly to production, employment
and demand generation through various backward and forward
linkages. In 2016, the Gross Value Added (GVA) from agriculture
across the country was around INR was Rs. 1,604,044 crores, which
was 15.4% of the total GVA [5]. Advancements in biotechnology,
farming techniques and mechanization have increased the average
yield four times, from 522 Kg/ha to 2143 Kg/ha, since India got
independence. Tractors played a key role in increasing the coun-
try’s agricultural output.
Mechanization of farming in India currently stands at about
40%-45% which is quite low when compared to countries such as Fig. 2. Tractor sales volume in India.

Please cite this article as: A. Malik and S. Kohli, Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
 A. Malik, S. Kohli / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx 3

4. Electric vehicle technologies

Electric vehicles (EVs) are generally those vehicles which use

Fig. 3. Horse Power (HP) wise share in sales.
off-road vehicles must progress to Bharat IV in 2022 and Bharat V
in 2026. However, this has not yet been codified in law.
In this respect, to reduce NOx and PM emissions, diesel engine
manufacturers are spending heavily on research and have devel-
oped technologies like selective catalytic reduction, diesel oxida-
tion catalyst, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, and exhaust PM
filters [11]. Ever increasing stringent emission regulations demand
innovative in-cylinder combustion strategies and exhaust emission
after-treatment systems [12] and cooperative control of exhaust
gas recirculation and combustion phasing of gasoline/diesel
blended fuels [13]. The challenges and cost involved in such tech-
nologies is forcing engine manufacturers to look for alternatives,
such as hybridization of traditional IC engines with electric motors
to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions.
For tractors, being farm equipment, overall engine running time
is 600 hundred hours per year for agricultural activities in India
[14] which is much less when compared to road vehicles and hence
often argued that pollution contribution is negligible. However, in
Indian scenario, tractors are often used for non-agricultural activi-
ties and local haulage in construction industry carrying sand,
cement, bricks, etc. It increases the overall running time of a tractor
considerably and contributes significantly to emission and cannot
be overlooked and necessitate the electrification of tractors.
one or more electric motors for mobility. EVs are further classified
into Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles
(HEV) [15] as shown in Fig. 4.
BEV drivetrain consists of three major subsystems: electric
motor propulsion, energy source and auxiliary, as illustrated in
Fig. 5. The electric propulsion subsystem is comprised of the vehi-
cle controller, the power electronic converter, the electric motor,
mechanical transmission, and driving wheels. The energy source,
its management unit and charger (energy refueling unit) makes
the energy source subsystem. The auxiliary subsystem consists of
the power steering unit, the climate control unit, and the auxiliary
supply unit [18]. Based on the control inputs from the accelerator
and brake pedals, the vehicle controller provides proper control
signals to the electronic power converter, which functions to regu-
late the power flow between the electric motor and energy source.
During braking if the BEV has regenerative capabilities, there is
backward power flow to restore the energy into the energy storage
system.
HEVs use two power sources (IC engine and electric motor), one
of them acts as primary power source and other as secondary,
depending on configurations. HEVs have the advantages of both
IC engine vehicles and BEVs and overcome the disadvantage of lim-
ited stored energy in BEVs. Since the focus of this work is on use of
pure electric vehicles (BEV) for agricultural applications, further
discussion on architecture of HEVs is skipped for the sake of
brevity.
5. Electric tractors
Though agricultural and forestry sector are responsible for sig-
nificant amount of emissions worldwide using diesel engine-
based machinery, this sector is also heading towards environmen-
tal sustainability. EVs for farming are crucial at present for sustain-
able food production and suppressing gas emissions. Magalhaes
et al. [16] have described the main researches in field of electric
tractors highlighting the problems of implementing electric trac-
tors along with suitable solutions. J. Caban et al. [17] analyzed
the market potential for electric tractors in Poland through a sur-
vey. From the answers of the respondents, authors concluded path
to electrification of tractors is full of challenges. Several national
and multinational brands in farm machinery segment are currently
developing electric tractors and some of them are already launched
(Fig. 6), which they claim will be on the farm machinery market
within a year or two.
German manufacturer Fendt [19] has launched e100 Vario all-
electric compact tractor with 50 kW power output, which can
operate for up to 5 h under actual operating conditions with

Table 1
Bharat stage emission limits for agricultural diesel tractors.

Bharat Stage Engine Power (kW) Year of Implementation Emissions (g/kWh)

CO HC HC+NOX NOX PM
I All 1999 14.0 3.5 – 18.0 –
II All 2003 9.0 – 15.0 – 1.0
III All 2005 5.5 – 9.5 – 0.8
III-A P<8 2010 5.5 – 8.5 – 0.8
8  P < 19 2010 5.5 – 8.5 – 0.8
19  P < 37 2010 5.5 – 7.5 – 0.6
37  P < 56 2011 5.0 – 4.7 – 0.4
56  P < 75 2011 5.0 – 4.7 – 0.4
75  P < 130 2011 5.0 – 4.0 – 0.3
130  P < 560 2011 3.5 – 4.0 – 0.2

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org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
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Fig. 4. Electric Vehicles classification.

Fig. 5. Architecture of BEV drive train.

650 V and 100 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery pack. Battery can
be charged either with 400 V and up to 22 kW via a standard CEE
outdoor socket, or by a standard CCS type 2 plug to recharge up
to 80% in just 40 min.
American manufacturer John Deere [20] unveiled its electric
tractor named SESAM in 2016 with total power output of up to
300 kW (402 hp) from two 150 kW electric motors for each axle
receiving supply from Li-ion battery pack of 130 kWh capacity.
Indian manufacturer Escorts [21] has launched its zero-
emission electric tractor Farmtrac 26E aiming for vineyards and
the horticulture market. This compact tractor is driven by regular
constant mesh transmission via a 19 kW (25.5 hp) electric motor
and 21 kWh Li-ion battery pack providing about 6 h of working
time.
Swiss manufacturer Rigitrac [22] has introduced Rigitrac SKE
50, a fully electric driven compact tractor utilizing 4 electric
motors, 1 for the front axle, 1 for the rear axle and 1 on each power
take-off (front and rear) with total power output of 50 kW (68 bhp)
receiving energy from 80 kWh (400 V) Li-ion battery pack
5.1. Advantages of electric tractors
Electric tractors have a numerous advantage when compared to
diesel counterparts, such as sustainability, agronomic process effi-
ciency, technical efficiency, higher safety, improved ergonomics,
cabin space, operator comfort and safety, comfort and reliability.
 Zero Emission
Electric tractors produce zero CO2 and NOX emissions and other
type of air pollution. It is often argued that the electricity used for
charging is sometimes generated by coal based or fossil fuel-based
power plants. However, the supply of clean electricity into the grid
from renewable sources (solar/ wind) is continuously increasing
and hence eliminate emissions.
 High Torque
Farming activities demand very high amount of torque. Unlike
IC engines, electric motors provide constant torque in low speed

Please cite this article as: A. Malik and S. Kohli, Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.
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 A. Malik, S. Kohli / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
Fig. 6. Recently introduced Electric Tractors.
region from start and provide constant power in the high-speed
region [18]. They have the potential to produce more torque than
IC engines. This characteristic of electric motors is ideal for farming
activities such as ploughing.
 Improved Dynamics using In-Wheel Motors
In terms of dynamics, controllability and flexibility of electric
drives are superior to any other solution. Conceivably, a tractor
could have separately controlled electric motors on each wheel,
increasing maneuverability and saving weight by eliminating the
need for steering linkages and transmissions. Such arrangement
allows all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering possibilities.
Research has shown [23] that by active control of electric pow-
ertrain, the steady-state and transient dynamic characteristics of
the vehicle can be manipulated without changing the common
chassis parameters such as mass distribution and suspension
elasto-kinematics. Furthermore, the low response time and high
controllability of electric motor drives can bring significant bene-
fits for the feedback control of vehicle yaw rate and sideslip angle
in emergency conditions.
 More Comfortable with Reduced NVH
In an electric motor, the most important NVH phenomenon is
the whistling noise, which is caused by the electromagnetic forces
and amplified by the powertrain structure [24]. However, improve-
ments in electric motor whistling noise are being worked upon
by reduction of the electromagnetic forces at the source and by
Please cite this article as: A. Malik and S. Kohli, Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
5
optimization of powertrain structures. When compared to conven-
tional tractors, electric tractors are very quiet [25] and lack vibra-
tions, hence offer silent, smooth and comfortable ride reducing the
stress for driver during long working hours at the time of
harvesting.
 Low Running Cost using Renewable Energy
If a farm uses renewable power such as biogas, solar or wind
power, charging and operating the tractor will be CO2 neutral
and extremely economical. At the same time, the high-capacity
battery can store excess power and feed it back into the grid. EVs
can be charged with renewable energy like SOLAR and WIND
energy at home or workplace or at public charging stations.
 Less Maintenance & Longer Life
The number of moving components in an EV are far lesser com-
pared to an IC engine vehicle, hence electric tractors will have
longer working life and reduced maintenance cost than conven-
tional ones. Use of electric drive for implements instead of hydro-
static drives further increase the savings with reduced hydraulic oil
amount.
 Autonomous Capabilities
Increased labor costs due to labor shortages particularly at peak
seasons underline the necessity for mechanization and automa-
tion. Driverless electric tractors are already being tested [26,27]
6 A. Malik, S. Kohli / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
and pave the way for full autonomous and connected tractor fleet
performing farming tasks with minimal human intervention.
 Improved Safety
Replacing hydraulics with electronics enhances safety from
dangerously high hydraulic pressures, hose leaks, high power
draws on the engine and excessive heat loads. Smart controls for
thermal management of battery pack and electric drives ensure
increased safety.
 Precise Control of Implements
The application of electric drives on implements provides mul-
tiple benefits for implements such as enhanced controllability of
power flow, optimized power distribution across implement struc-
tures, simple plug & play operation for implements [28].
Unlike traditional common architectures, the electric tractor
will provide an adequate number of controlled power outputs.
Power electronics will enable precise control of independently con-
trolled drive systems incorporated in design of the implement.
Locally controlled electric motors can overcome the restrictions
of mechanical and hydraulic solutions meeting the requirements
of attached machines. The ISOBUS is the necessary communication
bus between tractor and implement [29]. AEF (Agricultural Indus-
try Electronics Foundation) is developing standardized tractor-
implement interface, enhancing the usability of interchangeable
electric implements and tractors.
6. Challenges for Indian scenario
Agriculture profitability is strongly dependent on the agricul-
tural equipment used, the infrastructure and the workforce.
Agricultural equipment comprises all mobile and stationary
machinery and equipment used for indoor coupled with
high-speed transport and present a particularly tough challenge
for electric propulsion systems.
 Extreme operating environment
The operating environment for farm machinery in Indian sce-
nario is quite extreme due to dust, dirt, high humidity and temper-
atures up to 4648 °C in summers. It demands durable and reliable
power electronics components and efficient thermal management
for electronics components, battery pack and electric motor. Active
thermal management to cool the systems will deplete the battery
faster.
 Battery technology
The major challenge is battery efficiency. Existing battery tech-
nologies have yet not achieved the power density and energy den-
sity to compete with IC engines based conventional tractors in the
field work. Mere increasing the battery size adds to high cost and
weight of the vehicle, which reduces the overall efficiency of the
vehicle.
 High initial cost
The initial cost of any electric vehicle (including electric trac-
tors) is 2–3 times higher than similarly capable IC engine-based
vehicle. Battery cost contributes around 30%–50% of the total vehi-
cle cost. Though cost of Li-ion based battery pack has decreased
from more than $600 per kWh in 2010 to approx. 150$ per kWh
lately, electric tractors are still beyond reach of farming commu-
Please cite this article as: A. Malik and S. Kohli, Electric tractors: Survey of challenges and opportunities in India, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.585
nity. India being a cost sensitive market; high initial cost will be
biggest obstacle in success of electric tractors in India.
 Lack of Skills
Majority of Indian farmers often lack enough skills for using
advanced machinery. Electric tractors with advanced driver infor-
mation display (user interface) will pose a challenge. Although
electric tractors without clutch and gear box are comparatively
easy to drive, digital controls demand thorough training of farmers
for efficient and smooth operation.
 Lack of adequate charging infrastructure
India is struggling to supply 247 electricity to every individual
in the country. In this context, charging of electric tractors will be a
challenge, particularly in rural areas. It necessitates the installation
of solar farms in the vicinity to provide renewable off-grid supply
of power.
7. Conclusion
This study presented a short survey about the potential for elec-
tric tractors in India. The referenced literature show that electric
tractors are being proved to be successful in the field, but still in
nascent stage even in developed countries. Electric tractors are
the perfect companion for a farmer due to lower operating costs
over entire lifecycle and a major step to controlling emissions.
However high initial cost and lack of charging infrastructure are
major deterrents to acceptance of electric tractors in India.
Though low levels of tractor penetration in India at present
indicates strong potential for tractor sales, strong government sup-
port in form of availability of finance for agriculture mechanization
and rural development is needed. Government can help introduce
electric tractors by setting up centers for leasing electric tractors
and its implements to small and marginal farmers on pay per use
through PPP model with tractor manufacturers. Bigger farmers
with large farms should be provided financial assistance in the
form of subsidy for the purchase of electric tractors and allied agri-
cultural equipment.
The electric tractor technology is promising and undergoing
continuous improvement. However, the ecosystem for wide accep-
tance and large-scale usage in India will definitely take decade
worth of time.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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