Kubota showcases new electric tractor

Kubota unveiled the New Agri Concept, a fully electric, multi-purpose vehicle at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The New Agri Concept is designed for flexibility and supports a range of tasks, according to the company. 

“There's so much technology coming together, and automation by itself is only part of the solution,” says Brett McMickell, senior technologist for Kubota North America. “The New Agri Concept provides that autonomy mixed with electric, and now you're mixing that with AI and data, and that's where it becomes an unlock.

“We want to bring the technology together, not just put out new technology. We've heard so many times from farmers that different data systems and technologies only provide a part of the solution. What's important for Kubota is that we get it right and we provide a solution to the customer.”

The vehicle’s six independent drive motors and a standard three-point hitch allow it to use many existing implements for common operations, including mowing and tilling. Fast battery charging from 10% to 80% in less than six minutes enables flexibility by not constraining customers with long charge times and reduces vehicle downtime. Electric drives enable quiet operation, making the New Agri Concept easy to operate in residential settings or at night.

Kubota highlighted key technologies in a video illustrating its vision for bringing autonomous technology and AI together for a residential or small-acreage grower. Automatic data collection, real-time monitoring, AI identifying potential issues, automation addressing labor challenges, water management automation, and a data platform enhancing productivity are all part of its goal to move from an equipment company to a solutions company, says Todd Stucke, president, Kubota Tractor, North America. 

“I grew up on a potato farm in Ohio, and when I was five years old all I wanted to do was drive a tractor,” Stucke says. “I remember my dad saying, ‘Someday, tractors will drive themselves’ and I was devastated. But it’s become my lifelong mission to make my dad’s dream come true and to solve some of those issues out there and make life easier for our customers.”

For more information, visit KubotaUSA.com.