Evaluation of Advanced Powertrain Technologies for Large Agricultural Tractors: Insights on Energy Consumption and Life Cycle Environmental Impact

<div>This study aims to assess how alternative electrified powertrain technologies affect energy use for agricultural tractors in the Autonomie simulation tool. The goal of this study is also to assess the feasibility and performance of hydrogen internal combustion engines as a suitable alternative for the agricultural tractor powertrains. The energy consumption and efficiencies of alternative powertrains and fuel options are analyzed and compared across a variety of duty cycles using modeling and simulation methodologies. The considered alternative powertrains are series, parallel, power-split hybrid electric, fuel cell, and battery electric powertrains. The alternative fuel and powertrains are evaluated for their energy efficiency as well as their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve overall tractor performance in a variety of agricultural applications.</div> <div>Following a methodology developed by Argonne National Laboratory and Aramco Americas, the study applied prospective future technology scenarios to the agricultural sector. The simulation results suggest that battery electric powertrains and fuel cell electric powertrains offer long-term greenhouse gas reduction potential when combined with renewable energy production, while alternative powertrains with hydrogen engines can be considered as one of intermediate solutions that offer more practical and competitive operating costs while leveraging existing powertrain component manufacturing infrastructure. The results of this study provide insight into the benefits and challenges of integrating alternative fuel and alternative powertrain technologies into agricultural machinery and point the way toward more sustainable and energy-efficient agriculture.</div>