First Monarch autonomous tractor goes to work
World’s first fully electric and autonomous tractor deployed at Wente Vineyards in CaliforniaMonarch Tractor has announced the first official deployment of its groundbreaking all-electric, driver optional tractor at one of the oldest, continuously operated family winery in the United States - Wente Vineyards in California.
The deployment last week was the first of 15 pilot series deployments prior to its production deliveries in Q4 of 2021, and made possible through a grant from the California Air Resources Board's FARMER program.
Monarch Tractor chief executive officer, Praveen Penmetsa, said the deployment came earlier than planned.
“Our tractor has undergone strenuous real-world testing and is now ready to get to work and deliver on the promise of a more sustainable and efficient farming operation.”
Monarch Tractor and Wente have been partners throughout the tractor’s beta phase, allowing the vineyard to experience firsthand the benefits of the Monarch tractor.
“Monarch Tractor represents the future of tractors and to be the first customer deployment is especially exciting as we kick off this new era of sustainable farming,” said Niki Wente from Wente Vineyards.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) FARMER Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, CARB contributed to the FARMER program by adding Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects, an initiative leading to a grant offered to Monarch Tractor by CARB through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
“Monarch has demonstrated great leadership in the manufacturing industry to help reduce air pollution and protect the climate with their innovative zero-emission farming equipment,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District.
“The Air District was pleased to award Monarch this grant funding to further this work.”
The Monarch Tractor was released late last year as the world’s first fully electric tractor that can either be operated with a driver in the seat or completely autonomously.
It is fully battery powered with an operation time of over 10 hours at full charge, according to Monarch Tractor. The tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40hp of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70hp.
Monarch Tractor is currently taking orders for shipping to commence in Fall 2021 (in the USA)
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