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San Joaquin Valley Electric Tractor Development & Demonstration

Project Clean Air, Inc. led the San Joaquin Valley Electric Tractor Development and Demonstration project in partnership with HummingbirdEV, Moonlight Companies, Fresno State Transportation Institute, Fresno State Ag Farm, Ranch Management, and Kings River Tractor. The project deployed four zero-emission, 50 HP battery-electric tractors and one Class 6 electric truck at the main demonstration site, Moonlight Companies in Reedley, CA. Secondary sites tested the equipment in varied terrains and operations. The Central Valley was ideal for this pilot due to its fixed-route farming, diverse socioeconomic context, and access to EV charging infrastructure. All partners contributed technical expertise and strong industry support, including agriculture stakeholders, educators, public health officials, and clean air advocates, ensuring a successful and collaborative demonstration.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

The demonstrated technologies included the electrification of off-road agriculture equipment:
  • Four (4) 50 HP Electric Farm Tractors of 25 kWh or greater
  • One Class 6 medium-duty electric truck with V2V recharger system for in-field eTractor recharge
  • Demonstration occurred in Reedley at Moonlight and on the CSU Fresno AG Farm

Lessons Learned:

  • Traditional tractors rely on mechanical systems like gearboxes and PTOs. Integrating electrification into these systems presents challenges related to reliability, thermal management, performance, and cost—requiring innovative design solutions that maintain durability and efficiency.
  • Drought conditions are shifting farming needs, making it necessary to redesign tractors from the ground up. This includes rethinking the cab and chassis to support electric functionality, lower costs, and improve versatility
  • The electric truck (eTruck) played a critical role in the project by serving as a mobile charging unit, refueling electric tractors in orchards and fields.
  • A stable and functional electric grid is essential.
  • Educational programs are also needed to inform farming communities about the benefits of zero-emission agriculture.

Status Updates:

  • Design and development of the eTractor began in June 2018.
  • Public unveiling at World Ag Expo 1st eTractor and Mobile Charging Class 6 eTruck in February 2020.
  • Four electric tractors and one Class 6 electric truck were deployed to Moonlight Companies, where the tractors were used for different applications.
  • Project data was collected for a minimum of 12 months.

Technology:


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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: June 2018 – November 2022
  • GRANTEE: Project Clean Air, Inc.
  • PARTNERS: Hummingbird EV, Moonlight Companies, Fresno State Transportation Institute, Fresno State AG Farm, Ranch Management, Kings River Tractor
  • GRANT NO.: G16-DEMO-06

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $1,500,000
  • Matching Funds: $792,054
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $2,292,054

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