Monarch Tractor’s Electric, Driver Optional Machine To Be Made in Ohio
A former General Motors factory in Lordstown, Ohio, is now operated by Hon Hai Technology Group (also known as Foxconn) and will be producing MK-V models from Monarch Tractor.
MK-V tractors have been used in California wineries since 2020. The fully electric, autonomous tractors feature 10 hours of runtime, 70 peak hp, and twice the torque of a comparable conventional tractor.
According to Monarch Tractor CEO and co-founder Praveen Penmetsa, there are four main benefits to the new tractor configuration.
- Fuel Savings – Farmers have been among the hardest hit with the recent record gas prices. Electric tractors offer farmers significant reductions in fuel costs over the life of the machine when compared with a diesel-powered tractor of the same capacity.
- Improved Health and Safety – In going electric, you remove the diesel particulate that is emitted from traditional tractors. Eliminating diesel exposure improves the health and safety of farm workers, produce, and, ultimately, consumers.
- High Performance – Farmers needn’t worry about sacrificing performance when going electric. Monarch Tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40HP of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70HP in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage. EV powertrains offer quicker accelerations, shorter turning radii, and more responsive handling. Additionally, Monarch offers an industry-leading battery runtime of 10 hours+ and an intuitive battery swap cart to keep your tractor running all day and night if necessary.
- Less Maintenance – Electric Vehicles have fewer moving parts to service, and thus typically require less maintenance than diesel vehicles. Monarch Tractor uses 90% fewer moving parts than a diesel tractor, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and service downtime.
“Farmers work long hours on difficult and often dangerous jobs,” Penmetsa says. “If Monarch Tractor can use technology to save them time and increase efficiency it is worth it. If Monarch can make some of their more dangerous tasks safer, it is worth it.”
The MK-V can be recharged in six hours. It is built with a standard three point hitch and hydraulics so the same implements can be used as a conventional tractor. Via its camera system, the tractor is outfitted with 360 degree views for automated operation. The company says one operator can view and manage a fleet of eight tractors from its mobile operators menu.
Related Articles
CNH Industrial, Monarch Tractor Agree On Electrification Technologies Deal
Setback for Autonomous Tractors? California Board Denies Monarch Tractor’s Plan for Expansion
“Monarch’s tractor features a deep learning and sensing suite to provide actionable intelligence that can be used to make data-driven decisions in the field, resulting in increased safety, precision, and efficiency. Leveraging AI, machine learning and data analysis, Monarch opens up the opportunity to provide recommendations for planting, applications, farm health, and harvesting from Monarch’s ability to intelligently analyze crop data and historical trends,” Penmetsa says. Sensors and imaging are processed to provide critical data points that can be used for real-time implement adjustments as well as long-term yield estimates, current growth stages and other plant/crop health metrics. Utilizing machine learning, Monarch will be able to digest this data and provide long-term analysis of field health, improving accuracy the longer it runs.
The Monarch Tractors were previously made at the company’s Livermore, California manufacturing facility. The manufacturing agreement to source Monarch Tractors from Ohio with Foxconn was official in August 2022. The official transfer of production will be by first quarter 2023.
“Monarch Tractor has received interest from across the US and is preparing to support national deliveries. To reach the incredible demand Monarch has announced a manufacturing agreement with Foxconn to produce our tractors at their Lordstown, Ohio facility. Production of our Monarch MK-V tractors at the world-class Foxconn facility ensures that our tractors will continue to be built here in the USA by a seasoned team of experts with an unparalleled commitment to quality and care. Monarch is now starting to engage dealers to support the deployment of Monarch’s tractors and build a network of support for Monarch’s farmer clients,” the company leader adds.
Penmetsa says he’s looking forward to the next 12 months for the company.
“Monarch Tractor’s primary focus is to fulfill its existing orders and demonstrate quantifiable success for our early adopters. Monarch appreciates the early support from these farmers and will be working collaboratively with them on their deployments and taking learnings to validate upcoming projects,” he says.
