Volkswagen's new electric car has a top speed of 20 km/h as a starting point. There is no need for more in the new tractors.
Volkswagen has developed a new electric vehicle for agriculture in developing countries. Or rather, it's actually a tractor with a top speed of 20 km/h.
The tractor, known as the Mk1, differs from traditional tractors by being fully electric and powered by a battery.
It is designed to be a more sustainable and economical alternative to traditional diesel-powered tractors, which are often expensive to operate and maintain.
Electric tractors are not yet as common as electric cars. But Volkswagen is now hoping to capture a larger share of the market with a tractor that is easier to maintain. And cheaper.
Volkswagen has developed the Mk1 electric tractor, which is designed for farmers in emerging markets. In many of these areas, access to solar energy is significantly easier and cheaper than access to diesel.
With an electric tractor, farmers can both reduce environmental impact and save money on fuel.
Many farmers in developing countries cultivate smaller areas of land, and here the electric tractor is a good choice. The tractor, developed by Volkswagen Group Africa, will initially be launched in Rwanda.
The then VW boss, Herbert Diess, showed off a prototype of the tractor on LinkedIn in 2021. At the time it was a converted tractor, but now it is a completely new model developed by Volkswagen.
The electric tractor has between 20 and 40 horsepower and weighs 2.5 tons. Buyers of the tractor will also have the option to purchase all the accessories and solar cells needed to charge it.
The battery module is also designed to be replaceable on site, meaning farmers don't have to stop to recharge their vehicles.
Volkswagen says the batteries can also be used to power other agricultural equipment, hoping that this will appeal to even more buyers.
– We believe that this tractor can make a real difference for farmers in Africa.
"Not only is it more environmentally friendly, it is also cheaper to operate than a traditional tractor. We are convinced that it will be a valuable tool for farmers," says a spokesperson from Volkswagen Group Africa.
While the price is hard to pin down, there are many indications that Volkswagen is more forthcoming when it comes to the upcoming ID.1 passenger car. But that too is a long time coming. Read more about it here .
