Tractor of the Year '1998–pr.

2023-11-12

Farms and municipalities want to reduce exhaust and noise emissions and work more sustainably. For this, they need practical machines with alternative drives. Fendt introduces the Fendt e100 V Vario, a battery-electric, narrow-track tractor for specialist applications. The light and compact 55 kW tractor works with existing implements and features the FendtONE system architecture that grows with the machine. The Fendt e100 V Vario is set to be used in enclosed spaces, such as greenhouses.

The Fendt e107 V Vario model was developed for use in orchards and vineyards, greenhouses and by municipalities as well as on farms with their own power production. The drive train of the Fendt e107 V Vario consists of the battery with an electric motor and the Fendt Vario transmission. The maximum power range is 50 kW (68 hp) in Eco driving mode according to ECE R85. In Dynamic driving mode, up to 55 kW (75 hp) is available, and at peak drive power, the machine briefly provides up to 66 kW (90 hp) in Dynamic+ operating mode. The model is available in both Profi and Profi+ versions.

The name of the first fully battery-electric tractor, the Fendt e107 V Vario, is made up of a small "e" for electric, the number 107 for the Fendt e100 Vario series with an output of 75 hp (55 kW) drive power and V for "vineyard", i.e. the narrow-gauge version. The machine has a battery capacity of 100 kWh. This corresponds to an operating time of about 4 - 7 hours for applications in the partial load range such as leaf cutting, mulching or with working with a sweeper. In energy-intensive operations with a compressed air defoliator or a trailer in transport, the operating time of the tractor is reduced.

Numerous farms and municipalities already generate their own energy through photovoltaics, wind power or biogas. This green electricity can be used to charge the Fendt e100 V Vario and thus operate it in a CO2-neutral way – a closed energy cycle from generation to use. The operating costs of the tractor are significantly reduced and the CO2 emissions of the farm are also significantly decreased. In addition, service costs are reduced. For example the need for an engine oil change is eliminated.

The Fendt e107 V Vario model has an external width from 1.07 metres and a height of approx. 2.45 metres. The combination of compact dimensions, the Fendt Vario transmission and exhaust-free operation enables not only operations in vineyards with narrow rows, but also allows for entry into halls or greenhouse tunnels. Furthermore, the e-tractor can also be used in the municipal sector, for example for the maintenance of cycling paths.

The electrically powered tractor also operates more quietly than machines with a conventional diesel engine. This extends the operating time in noise-sensitive areas such as residential areas or urban parks, for example, during winter gritting. Approved for a speed of up to 40 km/h, the e-tractor can also be used for short-distance transport in municipalities and on farms.

DC fast-charging sockets (superchargers) have not yet become widely established on farms and in the municipal sector. That is why the Fendt e107 V Vario is equipped with a CCS2 socket. This corresponds to the automotive standard. A Type2 plug enables charging via alternating current up to 22 kW. This can be found at commercially available wall boxes or public charging stations. Likewise, the Fendt e107 V Vario can charge via the widely used 32A industrial socket in combination with a 22kW mobile charger. With this charging power, the battery can be fully charged within 5 hours. DC fast charging with a charging power of up to 80 kW is possible via a CCS plug. The battery charges from 20 to 80 percent charge capacity within about 45 minutes and is ready for use again as quickly as possible. This allows customers to use the corresponding charging system depending on the local infrastructure.

In line with the sustainable development approach, the Fendt e107 V Vario has numerous functions and technologies that use the available energy as efficiently as possible. The tractor is equipped with a Start/Stop function. This noticeably reduces energy consumption and the number of operating hours of the tractor. Energy is also recovered through regeneration. Additionally, a foot switch can increase the regeneration level. In addition, three operating modes – Eco, Dynamic and Dynamic+ – are available to adjust energy use according to the work application.

The Eco driving mode is particularly suitable for operations with a low power requirement such as spreading in winter maintenance, while Dynamic is used for more power-intensive operations such as crop protection with the blower sprayer. For a short time, the Dynamic+ mode makes additional energy available. This mode enables additional power for a limited period of time during power-intensive operations, such as travelling up hills.

The compact dimensions and technical equipment of the Fendt e107 V Vario allow the e-tractor to be used all year round. This means that the machine can be used in winter service just as it can in vineyards or orchards or for municipal tasks such as sweeping, mulching or mowing. Thermal management ensures that the battery is always operated at the optimum temperature, regardless of the season or weather. This protects the battery and extends its life.

Thermal management can be activated via a timer the day before. This means that the machine is already at operating temperature when work begins and maximum power is available straight away. A completely newly developed, energy-saving fan concept with a reversing function is integrated into the thermal management.

The proven Fendt comfort cab combines high working safety with the best overview, comfort and ergonomics. The 4-post cab of the Fendt e107 V Vario offers plenty of headroom and the large door makes it easy to get in. The exhaust pipe is not needed on the e-tractor, thus ensuring even better all-round visibility.

The cab can be preheated thanks to the thermal management. This means that the work starts at a pleasant temperature. A heated floor mat and heated seats increase working comfort in low temperatures, while heated front and rear windows provide optimal visibility even in snow and frost. For the summer, the tractor has automatic air conditioning as standard.

The Fendt e107 V Vario is equipped with 280/70R16 tyres for the front axle and 380/70R24 tyres for the rear axle as standard.

Fendt and Trelleborg have jointly developed the TM1 Eco Power tyre especially for this series. During development, the focus was on the interplay between performance and energy efficiency, and more than 60 percent of the components come from renewable sources. The tyres feature a particularly low rolling resistance in order to be energy-saving and thus extend the battery life. In addition, there is optimum traction, stability and driving comfort on different surfaces, as well as a self-cleaning tread for agricultural applications.

The Fendt e107 V Vario can be ordered from Agritechnica 2023 and will be produced at the Marktoberdorf tractor factory from the fourth quarter of 2024. The machines are initially available for the pilot markets of Germany, Norway and the Netherlands from qualified dealers. Availability will be gradually expanded, depending on the infrastructure in the regions as well as in the trade.

https://www.fendt.com