Publicly Funded Projects

Publicly Funded Projects

Hybrid Electric Tractor for the Agriculture of the Future

The objective of the project “Hybrid Electric Tractor for the Agriculture of the Future” concerns the study, design, development, and both bench and field testing of new electrified technologies for the hybridization of tractors. In particular, the focus was placed on two target applications: medium-sized tractors, with power ranging from 200 to 450 hp, and “special” tractors designed for work in orchards and vineyards, with power ranging from 57 to 120 hp. The expected and measured outcomes relate to improvements in performance, functionality, and comfort for the end user.

Through this project, hybrid technology, together with an innovative serial-parallel architecture, was successfully developed and integrated into three medium-sized tractor prototypes and one special tractor prototype, with the aim of extending the identified benefits within the agricultural sector.

The subsequent phases of the project development foresee advanced engineering activities, with a 360-degree approach to the project, including the technical feasibility of the final product and the commercial feasibility that would allow for its industrialization.

Some of the main advantages of tractor hybridization in this project, measured in the field and directly perceived by the end user, can be summarized as follows:

  1. Fuel consumption reduction of up to 16% for operations with standard towed or mounted implements, and up to 35% for operations with electrified implements.
  2. Noise reduction of 30% compared to current products on the market.
  3. Enhanced dynamic response of the tractor during torque transients, resulting in faster field operations, with up to 30% improvement in dynamic response during load peaks.
  4. Additional wheel torque for traction effort, i.e., 20% more than the nominal power.
  5. Improved maneuverability with E-Steering, resulting in a 15% improvement in turning radius.
  6. Improved maneuverability with E-Shuttling, resulting in a 30% reduction in the time required for shuttling maneuvers, with enhanced comfort.

The project, under the Steyr brand, was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal for Innovation at Agritechnica 2023, a long-standing reference event for the agricultural sector.

Thanks in part to this project, CNH continues on its path of innovation and exploration of new technologies, from hybrid to electric and alternative fuels, with the goal of making its machines increasingly sustainable and productive, promoting sustainable agriculture and contributing to the reduction of emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

With financial support from the European Union – ERDF, PON Enterprises and Competitiveness 2014–2020, for an amount exceeding 500 million euros.

ConVeRTO Project - Construction Vehicle Revolution Trade Off

The ConVeRTO Project – Construction Vehicle Revolution Trade Off aims to develop innovative new technologies for the production of electric construction machinery.

The project involved investments in Research and Development and Tangible Assets to support the establishment and consolidation of research, development, and technological innovation activities.

TANGIBLE ASSETS

The investment in tangible assets focused on:

  • Construction of a Powder Coating Plant, replacing the previous liquid coating system, with the goal of improving efficiency and modernizing the finishing process for metalwork components produced at the Lecce site. The new plant, equipped with assisted robotic application, optimizes production processes and enhances the quality of final products by using next-generation powders that ensure longer-lasting coatings resistant to weather and corrosion.
  • The system has enabled a significant reduction in costs and consumption, thanks to lower energy usage, elimination of water, 97% paint utilization, and reduced solid sludge, in line with the sustainability goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
  • Results achieved:
    • Increased productivity
    • Quality upgrade
    • Reduced energy and methane consumption
    • Reduced water usage
    • Reduced VOC emissions
    • Reduced waste
  • Technological upgrade of three testing cells:
    • Test Cell No. 2 – Engine and Cooling System Test Bench: for validating the performance of engine and machine cooling systems developed on-site, both current production and prototypes.
    • Test Cell No. 3 – Full Powertrain Test Cell: for evaluating the powertrain systems of construction machines developed on-site, both current production and prototypes.
    • Test Cell No. 5 – Climatic Test Cell: for testing any functional component of the machine under extreme climatic conditions, both hot and cold.
  • This operation was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund – Puglia POR 2014–2020 – Axis I – Specific Objective 1a – Action 1.2 “The future within everyone’s reach.”

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The aim of the project's R&D activities is to enhance existing know-how by innovating the technologies currently used in construction machinery, leading to a new generation of products that improve driving experience and operator comfort, reduce environmental impact, and increase ergonomics.

The Industrial Research activity began with an analysis of the state of the art, examining the component technologies available on the market, followed by the definition of requirements and the study of their applicability in the construction machinery sector.

The Experimental Development activity involved the creation of innovative prototype vehicles validated both in the lab and in the field.

The project activities not only supported industrial technological advancement in the relevant area but also promoted employment growth at the Lecce plant, with positive impacts across the entire facility.

This operation was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund – Puglia POR 2014–2020 – Axis I – Specific Objective 1a – Action 1.1 “The future within everyone’s reach.”