French start-up Seederal has unveiled its first electric tractor prototype during the launch of its testing campaign, just one year after announcing its first round of funding.
This technological demonstrator will accelerate the development of the first long-range electric tractor. At a time when the debate on agricultural transition is heightened by rising agricultural fuel prices and the lack of alternatives for farmers, Seederal’s innovation could be a significant step towards decarbonized and economically viable mechanization.
Full electric tractor with medium power
Following an initial round of funding announced in late 2022, the company was able to accelerate its research and development efforts. Founded by engineers Arthur Rivoal and Antoine Venet, the company’s workforce has expanded over the past year and now comprises 12 expert and complementary profiles, including individuals from tractor manufacturing and automotive electrification backgrounds.
A working day 100 per cent electric without hassle
The objective is to develop a 100% electric tractor with medium power (equivalent to 160 horsepower), providing enough autonomy to complete a full day’s work. This will be the company’s first product, and its design will be significantly different from the current prototype based on the British JCB Fastrac tractor but with electrically powered components instead of the standard diesel engine with gearbox. For now, the final product remains confidential and will only be revealed in 2025.
Gearbox at the scrap yard
While the final product is currently kept out of the spotlight, this prototype showcases some key characteristics to demonstrate the relevance of the company’s technological positioning. “To our knowledge, this is the first agricultural tractor without a gearbox. Yet, since the historic appearance of these machines, every tractor has been designed and built around this component. Therefore, this is a historic tractor!” adds Arthur Rivoal, co-founder and CTO/CVO.
Lighter than the diesel version
If Seederal has been able to move away from it, it is precisely because of the performance of the electric motors and the carefully designed architecture of its transmission. Since its assembly in late summer 2023, the Seederal prototype has undergone its first accelerations in the fall and has been finely tuned. The initial tests were more than conclusive, and, against all initial expectations, this tractor is lighter than its thermal version. These developments have paved the way for an intensive testing campaign to optimize the design of the final tractor.
New fundraising round of €7.1 million
The young company is now establishing itself as a true industrial start-up. The assembly of its first prototype in western France is the first evidence of its desire to scale up its project on an industrial level in Brittany. In conjunction with the prototype unveiling, Seederal announced a new fundraising round of €7.1 million led by Supernova Invest, Ankaa Ventures, Unilis (Unigrains Group), CA Morbihan Expansion, Kima Ventures, and its historical partners Xplore by Épopée Gestion and Breizh Up. This operation aims to accelerate the development of its electric tractor and support the continuation of R&D efforts. See a short video here where you see the prototype driving.
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