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First Monarch electric autonomous tractor deployed

22-04-2021 | |
Photo: Monarch Tractor
Photo: Monarch Tractor

Monarch Tractor announced the first deployment of its flagship tractor at Wente Vineyards in the United States.

The Monarch tractor is a fully electric, driver-optional, smart tractor and was officially launched earlier this year. The tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40 hp (30 kW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70 hp (55 kW).

Operate with or without a driver

The Monarch Tractor also serves as a 3-in-1 electrification tool operating not only as a tractor, but with extra storage acts as an ATV, and has the capabilities to perform as a powerful generator in the field. The tractor can operate with or without a driver.

“We are thrilled to announce the ahead-of-schedule deployment of the first Monarch Tractor,” said Praveen Penmetsa, chief executive officer, Monarch Tractor. “Our tractor has undergone strenuous real-world testing and is now ready to get to work and deliver on the promise of a more sustainable and efficient farming operation.”

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‘Monarch Tractor represents the future of tractors’

Monarch Tractor and Wente Vineyards have been partners throughout the tractor’s beta phase. “We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of the Monarch Tractor in our vineyards,” said Niki Wente, Wente Vineyards. “Monarch Tractor represents the future of tractors and to be the first customer deployment is especially exciting as we kick off this new era of sustainable farming.”

California FARMER program

Monarch Tractor’s early deployment is due in part to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Farming Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) program. The FARMER Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities.

Additionally, CARB contributed to the FARMER program by adding Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects, an initiative leading to a grant offered to Monarch Tractor by CARB through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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Claver
Hugo Claver Web editor for Future Farming





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