| Resource Type | Case Study |
| Author / Source | Sustainable Northwest, Forth, Wy'East RC&D, Bonneville Environmental Foundation |
| Publication Date | 2023 |
| Location | Oregon (performance findings applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Program |
| Project Complexity | Beginner |
| Recommended For | Staff, Community Organizations |
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
This case study gives co-op staff real-world operating data on electric tractors, with operator quotes and run-time figures from a working Oregon farm. Co-op leaders evaluating farm electrification as a member program or load growth strategy can use it to anticipate the questions members will ask before adopting, such as charge time, run-time per charge, and how the equipment compares to diesel in daily use.
The case study is short and accessible, making it useful for sharing directly with members who want to see how the technology works on a real farm.
Key Takeaways
| › | Rusted Gate Farm reported running an electric tractor 3.5 to 4 hours hard with 30% battery remaining, useful operational data co-ops can cite when fielding member questions about reliability. |
| › | Charging used a 220-240V outlet already built into the barn as a welding plug, meaning electrical infrastructure upgrades were not required at the farm. |
| › | Two Solectrac models were tested (40 HP eUtility and 25 HP Compact Electric Tractor), giving co-ops a reference point for the equipment range currently fitting small and mid-sized farms. |
| › | Operator feedback emphasizes that the electric tractor performs the same tasks as a comparable diesel model with quieter operation, addressing two common objections from farmers. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: Pacific Power funded the demonstration that produced this case study. Co-ops in regions without established utility-nonprofit pilots may need to coordinate funding through state agriculture or energy programs to support similar trials.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Adoption requires no specialized installation if the farm already has a 220-240V outlet, but co-ops considering rebate or pilot programs should plan for member education about appropriate use cases (small farms, vineyards, lighter operations under current technology).
Notable Examples
- Rusted Gate Farm: Oregon nonprofit farm testing traditional and innovative practices. The farm was the first Oregon site for electric tractor demonstration in 2021.
- Solectrac eUtility and Compact Electric Tractor: The two electric tractor models trialed at the farm.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
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