Will farmers go electric as diesel prices rise?
As diesel prices rise, some Canadian farmers like Tony Neale are turning to electric tractors to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact, though adoption remains limited. Neale's solar-powered farm in Ontario uses an electric tractor, which is quieter and cheaper to operate but has shorter run times and limited repair options. Widespread electrification in agriculture is expected to follow advancements in other transportation sectors, with experts predicting broader availability in five to ten years.
- ▪Tony Neale operates a small-scale vegetable farm in Sunderland, Ont., using a battery-powered Solectrac eUtility tractor and solar energy.
- ▪Electric tractors are currently rare, with only about 15 in use across Ontario, due to high costs, limited distribution, and farmer skepticism.
- ▪Chuck Baresich of Haggerty AgRobotics sells electric tractors priced 30% higher than diesel models, ranging from $45,000 to $170,000.
- ▪Agriculture accounts for 10% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to Statistics Canada.
- ▪Darrin Qualman of the National Farmers Union believes agricultural electrification will follow proven success in sectors like long-haul trucking.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Open this photo in gallery:President of Haggerty AgRobotics Chuck Baresich operates a 'Burro,' which is a work-assisted robot designed to carry and tow, at the company's headquarters in Bothwell, Ont.BRETT GUNDLOCK/The Globe and MailShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountTony Neale is preparing for this year’s growing season while balancing the usual worries of most farmers: sun, rain, market prices.But unlike most farmers, the skyrocketing cost of diesel fuel is not as pressing a worry for Mr. Neale.Farmers across Canada are feeling the hit at the pump just as they head into their fields with their heavy machinery. But Mr. Neale, a small-scale vegetable farmer, has gone electric – as much as he can.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Globe and Mail
