First Hydrogen-Powered Tractor Debuts At Farm Show

Taking the lessons learned from the development of hydrogen-powered cars, New Holland Agriculture has developed the NH2, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tractor, according to cnet News. The NH2 was developed as part of New Holland Agriculture’s Energy Independent Farm concept, a framework for future agriculture in which farmers produce their own compressed hydrogen from water using electricity produced by wind farms, solar panels, or biomass and bio-gas processes situated on the farm.

The experimental NH2 tractor replaces the traditional combustion engine with hydrogen fuel cells that convert compressed hydrogen back into electricity to drive the electric motors powering the tractor’s drivetrain and auxiliary systems. The NH2 tractor is a 106-horsepower, working prototype able to perform all the tasks of a New Holland’s T6000 tractor, only with no emissions and in near silence.

The fuel cell generates less heat than an internal-combustion engine, offers a consistent output of power, and does not produce polluting nitrogen oxides, soot particles, or carbon dioxide. The clean operation of the tractor brings added health benefits when working in confined areas, such as animal sheds or greenhouses.