CNH invests in Monarch electric tractor

CNH Industrial, parent company of brands such as Case IH, New Holland, CASE Construction and IVECO, announced that it has completed its minority investment in US ag-tech startup, Monarch Tractor.

In December last year, California-based Monarch Tractor made history by releasing the world’s first fully electric and self-driving tractor that is ready for commercial production. The company is now taking orders from around the world and said it will be ready to ship the tractors in Fall 2021.

The tractor has the capability to drive itself and perform pre-programmed tasks or ‘shadow’ another tractor by following another worker on the job.

As the tractor is battery-powered, it releases no harmful emissions during operation.

CNH said the partnership will allow both companies to work together to help farmers around the world realise profitable zero-emission farming.

 “Monarch is pioneering tractor technology that incorporates electrification, autonomous use, and data management,” said CNH Industrial Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wine.

“These are three of the key pillars supporting sustainability, productivity, and profitability, both for CNH Industrial and for our farming customers.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Monarch to develop and deploy their ground-breaking technology ecosystem, which we believe has applicability across our entire Off-Road business.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to rapidly improving our alternative propulsion and precision farming portfolio, while extending our world-leading sustainability credentials.”