Otis Singleton
John Deere has been working on developing electric-powered agricultural machinery since 2016. The company has introduced an electric cable-powered tractor, the GridCON, which offers farmers the opportunity to supply and use their own energy for fieldwork. However, despite selling some electric vehicles, John Deere has stated that it has no plans to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors, claiming that it is not feasible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric combine availability | No plans for an all-electric combine |
| Electric tractor availability | Yes |
| Electric tractor type | Autonomous, cable-powered |
| Electric tractor horsepower | 400 |
| Electric tractor battery capacity | 1,000 kWh |
| Electric tractor power | 500 kW (680 hp) |
| Electric tractor efficiency | 85% |
| Electric tractor weight | 8.5 tonnes |
| Electric vehicle plans | Yes |
| Electric vehicle charging infrastructure plans | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
John Deere's acquisition of Kreisel Electric
John Deere has no plans for an all-electric combine. The company has, however, been working on developing battery-electric work vehicles since it unveiled its first next-gen electric tractor prototype in 2016.
In December 2021, John Deere announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, an Austria-based startup known for its impressive electric vehicle conversions. Kreisel Electric, founded in 2014, has developed high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs. The company has also developed a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO) that uses its patented battery technology.
Through the acquisition, John Deere aims to accelerate its electrification plans. Pierre Guyot, Senior Vice President of John Deere Power Systems, stated that Kreisel's battery technology can be applied across the broad portfolio of Deere products. Additionally, Kreisel's in-market experience will benefit Deere as they ramp up their battery-electric vehicle portfolio. Deere will provide the expertise, global footprint, and funding to enable Kreisel's continued growth in core markets.
The acquisition aligns with John Deere's sustainability goals of pursuing new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of new products and working towards zero-emission propulsion systems. By investing in Kreisel Electric, John Deere is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for battery-powered vehicles and to offer its customers more efficient and productive solutions.
The Kreisel team has expressed excitement about expanding its base business, leveraging the Deere channel to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric vehicles, and collaborating with Deere's vehicle design teams on product advancements.
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John Deere's plans for an electric combine
John Deere has been working on developing electric-powered agricultural machinery since 2016. However, the company has no plans to introduce an electric combine to its lineup. In a statement to USA Today, Jennifer Hartmann, the director of public relations for John Deere, said that "there is no plan to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors."
John Deere's first foray into electric vehicles began with the introduction of its first next-gen electric tractor prototype in 2016. This prototype, known as the SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery), featured a diesel engine replaced by a 130 kWh battery pack and two electric motors producing 300 kW (400 hp) of power. The SESAM 2, the second version of the tractor, boasts a battery module with a capacity of 1,000 kWh of energy storage and 500 kW (680 hp) of power available for the electric powertrain.
In 2019, John Deere unveiled the GridCON tractor, which differs significantly from its predecessor. The GridCON tractor is fully electric, cable-powered, and capable of autonomous operation in the field. It offers farmers the opportunity to supply and use their own energy for fieldwork, with a cable connection from a field's border transferring power continuously at over 300 kilowatts. The cable can be extended as required, making it applicable to a range of farming types.
John Deere has also introduced new technologies for its 8 and 9 Series Tractors for model year 2023, including a new stepless Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) that enables precise speed control and enhanced drivability. The company has goals to expand its line of electric vehicles and hopes to introduce an electric option in each Turf and Compact Utility Tractor category by 2026.
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Electric tractor prototypes by John Deere
In 2016, John Deere revealed its first next-gen electric tractor prototype, marking the beginning of its journey towards developing battery-electric work vehicles. Since then, the company has been steadily working to advance its electrification agenda, with the goal of meeting its 2030 sustainability targets.
In February 2025, John Deere showcased its E-Power battery-driven tractor prototypes, providing an exclusive preview of its Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) at the World Ag Expo. The event offered attendees a detailed look at the company's first fully-realized, ground-up, battery-powered prototypes, which included three distinct configurations: an orchard tractor, a vineyard tractor, and a livestock tractor with a loader. Each machine in the BEV lineup boasts autonomous capabilities, intuitiveness, and scalability, leveraging the same technology and hardware found in their diesel counterparts.
The E-Power tractor prototypes are designed with a compact powertrain and five power packs strategically distributed across the tractor. This setup enables autonomous operation through software control and allows for independent control of PTO, hydraulic performance, and ground speed with precision. The batteries are engineered with an active thermal management system, a feature developed by Kreisel Electric, a company that John Deere acquired a majority stake in during 2021. This system maintains a neutral temperature for the batteries, prolonging their lifespan, slowing degradation, and reducing recharging times.
While John Deere has not announced specific new electric products or timelines, the company has expressed its intention to expand its electric vehicle offerings. By 2026, John Deere aims to introduce electric options in the Turf and Compact Utility Tractor categories, targeting the "small ag" department with tractors having less than 165 engine horsepower.
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John Deere's electric vehicle goals
John Deere has been slowly working to develop battery-electric work vehicles since it unveiled its first next-gen electric tractor prototype in 2016. The company has set sustainability goals for 2026, focused on developing battery power solutions to serve as sole or hybrid propulsion systems for off-highway equipment and vehicles. By 2026, John Deere hopes to introduce an electric option in each Turf and Compact Utility Tractor category, which are in the "small ag" department, defined as having less than 165 engine horsepower for tractors.
John Deere has also been making significant investments in diversified power solutions. In 2021, the company acquired a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, a small Austria-based startup known for its impressive electric vehicle conversions. Kreisel develops high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs and has developed a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO) that uses the company's patented battery technology. John Deere plans to leverage Kreisel's technology to accelerate the development of its own electric vehicle lineup.
John Deere recognizes that its customers will need both stationary and mobile fast-charging solutions and believes that the timing is good with declining battery prices. The company also sees a growing demand for battery power solutions for off-highway equipment and vehicles as more countries establish regulatory requirements around emissions. However, John Deere has stated that it does not plan to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors, as these are not feasible with current technology.
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$25.98
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
John Deere currently has no plans to release an all-electric combine. The company's director of public relations, Jennifer Hartmann, stated that "there is no plan to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors". However, John Deere does sell some electric vehicles and has goals to expand its line of electric vehicles. In 2021, the company acquired a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, an Austrian company specializing in renewable battery energy. This move indicated John Deere's intention to accelerate its electrification plans.
As for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, it is indeed a crucial aspect of supporting the growing number of EVs on the road. The charging infrastructure industry has adopted the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol, which provides a common standard for describing station location, EV charging port, and connector. EV charging stations can be installed in various locations, including parking garages, parking lots, and residences. Businesses that install charging stations can benefit from increased customer attraction and retention, as EV drivers are more likely to frequent places with convenient charging options. Additionally, charging station owners can generate income through fees, subscriptions, advertising, or premium parking.
The availability of fast-charging options, such as Direct-current (DC) fast charging, enables rapid charging at higher power outputs. As of 2023, more than 20% of public EV charging ports in the United States offered DC fast charging. Federal funding initiatives, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, aim to further expand the availability of fast-charging hubs.
To support the increasing demand for EV charging, companies like Blink Charging offer EV charging solutions for residences and businesses of any size. They provide custom, scalable EV infrastructure plans and maintenance services to ensure smooth implementation. As more people embrace electric vehicles, the need for robust charging infrastructure becomes essential, and businesses that proactively install charging stations position themselves for future success.
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Frequently asked questions
No, John Deere does not have an electric combine. The company has stated that it has no plans to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors.
According to Jennifer Hartmann, the director of public relations for John Deere, an all-electric combine is "not feasible." The company has, however, expressed interest in expanding its line of electric vehicles.
John Deere has been working on developing electric-powered agricultural machinery since 2016, when it unveiled its first next-gen electric tractor prototype, the SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery). The company has since introduced the GridCON tractor, which is cable-powered and capable of fully autonomous operation in the field.
John Deere's electric tractors offer farmers the opportunity to supply and use their own energy for fieldwork. The tractors are also noiseless and emission-free, with lower machine and operating costs compared to battery-powered tractors.
John Deere has acquired a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, an Austrian company specializing in renewable battery energy. This acquisition will help John Deere electrify its lineup and develop charging infrastructure to support upcoming electric vehicles.
