PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
Electric Tractors Come to Oregon An innovative demonstration project to evaluate electric tractors as an efficient and cost-effective technology. Central Point, OR | May 2021 | Press Release F orth, Sustainable Northwest, Wy’East RC&D, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation have partnered to launch Oregon’s first electric tractor demonstration to evaluate and demonstrate the potential of this new technology. The project will serve as an
equipment already in use. We’ll be able to track job time and fuel costs differences and also provide feedback on routine maintenance, ergonomics, and ease of use, “ said Jo Ann Shannon, Executive Director of Rusted Gate Farm. The project team has secured funding for a total of three electric tractors to be shipped to Oregon for initial testing and configuration in 2021. Tractors, installed with remote sensors that will collect usage data and measure on-farm savings potential, will start making their way around Oregon. We’re interested in learning where the tractor performs best and about opportunities for further agricultural equipment electrification. While there have been great advancements in the electric passenger vehicle market, as battery technology and other innovations increase range and usage, electric vehicle adoption in the agricultural sector is relatively new, but fertile for growth. The team hopes to share emission reduction, health and safety, and savings information with the 2021 project. “People traditionally associate electric vehicles with cars in urban areas, but I’m looking forward to learning about the benefits and best use cases for electric tractors and finding ways to further transportation electrification in rural areas,” Erin Galiger with Forth says.
important test case to explore best use cases and areas to develop while increasing knowledge, access, and adoption of electric farm equipment to help farmers save money and reduce on-farm emissions. The state’s first electric tractor arrived at Rusted Gate Farm outside Central Point, Oregon on March 4. Rusted Gate Farm is the perfect first location to test this new technology. They are a non-profit farm that experiments with traditional, alternative, and innovative farm practices. Their mission is to identify a mix of income-producing activities that can increase average farm income and ensure long-term financial security for small farms in Jackson County. Rusted Gate will use the electric tractor in their truffle and apple orchards, food gardens, and extensive ground maintenance.
“We are thrilled to be the first farm in Oregon to test-drive an electric tractor. Our farm staff will conduct side-by-side comparisons to the gas and diesel-fueled
The Compact Electric Tractor (CET). One of several electric tractors developed and sold by Soletrac.
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The Business Review | July 2021
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