| Resource Type | Research Report |
| Author / Source | Kyle W. Proctor (NEWAg Laboratory, Oregon State University) |
| Publication Date | May 2022 |
| Location | Pacific Northwest with Oregon focus (TCO methodology applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Technology, Policy, Program |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Staff, Board |
Estimated reading time: 30+ minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
This Oregon State University study provides the cost analysis co-ops need when evaluating farm electrification as a member program, comparing 7-year total cost of ownership for electric versus diesel compact tractors across three realistic use scenarios. The study includes Wasco Electric Cooperative specifically in its emissions analysis, showing that co-op-served farms charging from a clean energy mix see dramatically lower lifecycle emissions than farms served by investor-owned utilities with more fossil generation.
Co-op staff can use this resource to inform rate design conversations, member-facing education materials, and capacity planning around incremental farm load. The study was produced as part of the E-Farms program, a Pacific Northwest electric farm equipment demonstration partnership.
Key Takeaways
| › | At 250 annual operating hours, electric tractor TCO is roughly comparable to diesel ($39,853 to $40,738 versus $37,535 to $43,072), with electric becoming cheaper as use intensity increases. |
| › | At 750 annual operating hours, electric tractors save between $2,334 and $18,355 over 7 years across scenarios. This makes electric tractors a strong fit for farm-sharing arrangements or operations that use tractors heavily. |
| › | Electric tractors are far less sensitive to fuel price volatility than diesel. This is an affordability and resilience argument co-ops can make to farmers exposed to diesel cost swings. |
| › | Wasco Electric Cooperative shows the lowest emissions factor (0.020 MTCO2eq/MWh) of any provider analyzed, demonstrating that co-op-served farms see the largest environmental benefit from electrification compared to IOU-served farms. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: The TCO gap at lower use intensities (roughly $2,300 to $730 over 7 years) is small enough that modest co-op rebates could shift the purchase decision. Co-ops should size rebates based on how farmers in their territory actually use their tractors, rather than a one-size-fits-all amount.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Battery replacement costs ($10,000 per replacement, roughly 30% of the tractor purchase price) are a long-term consideration not always factored into farmer decisions. Co-op member education should address battery lifespan transparently.
- Time-Sensitive Information: 2022 diesel pricing and tractor model availability have shifted. Co-ops applying this methodology should refresh fuel and electricity rate inputs before using the figures in member-facing materials.
Notable Examples
- Wasco Electric Cooperative: Oregon co-op cited in the emissions analysis for its near-zero-emissions electricity mix.
- Solectrac Compact Electric Tractor (CET): The 30 HP electric model field-tested for the analysis.
- John Deere 2032R: The 32 HP diesel comparison model.
- NEWAg Laboratory at Oregon State University: The research lab that conducted the study.
Estimated reading time: 30+ minutes
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