The innovation: the electric TADUS propulsion system
Since July 2023, the newly developed TADUS drivetrain has been thoroughly tested and optimized in the functional prototype.

To leverage the unbeatable efficiency of the electric drivetrain, the entire vehicle structure must be tailored accordingly. That’s why the meticulously refined drivetrain system, designed to perfection down to the smallest detail, is at the core of our vehicles. It has been completely redesigned and customized for the TADUS tractor.

In the electric powertrain with multiple electric motors, the energy is transmitted as close as possible to each individual end consumer in the form of mechanical or hydraulic power. Each consumer is supplied individually and according to their specific needs. There is no mechanical coupling between the consumers, such as between the propulsion system and attachment. This results in significantly improved control and regulation, leading to a simpler and more intuitive operation.

The Advantages of the TADUS Propulsion System

The greatest advantage: cost savings.

In addition to the numerous advantages in terms of driving performance, the TADUS tractor convinces primarily in economic terms: For farms with their own power generation, such as a photovoltaic system, according to our calculations and considering the current conditions, operating costs can be reduced by up to 70% compared to conventional tractors. But even if electricity is purchased, the anticipated savings are expected to be around 33%.

In the above calculation, we consider an agricultural operation with its own PV system under the following assumptions: Tractor utilization: 800 hours/year; Rated power: 107 HP / 80 kW; Average utilization: 43 HP / 32 kW (40%) [1], Tractor purchase price: €130,000.

2nd Advantage: Independence.

Imagine consuming the electricity you generate on your own farm right there on the farm. You could achieve independence from the electricity market and diesel prices. The TADUS TRACTOR can be a crucial component in the farm’s self-sustaining energy cycle.

3rd Advantage: Extended Lifespan.

In a drivetrain with purely electric power transmission, significantly fewer moving parts are used compared to a drivetrain with mechanical power transmission. As a result, wear and tear in the TADUS TRACTOR is much lower than in a conventional tractor, and the lifespan can be extended by up to 50%.

4th Advantage: CO₂ savings.

The emission of pollutants is also significantly reduced with the TADUS tractor. When using self-generated PV electricity, the CO2 emissions even drop to 0. Considering the CO2 emissions of a conventional tractor under average load, a TADUS tractor supplied with self-generated electricity saves up to 525 tons of CO2 over its entire lifespan.

nach 5.000 Stunden: 175 t CO₂ 22 Erdumrundungen mit dem Auto

875.000 km Autofahrt CO₂-Ausstoẞ pro 100 km Autofahrt: 20 kg [6]

nach 10.000 Stunden: 350 t CO₂ 220 Flüge München - New York

CO₂-Ausstoß für den Flug M-NY ca. 10 Flugstunden: 1,59 t[7]

nach 15.000 Stunden: 525 t CO₂ Jahresausstoß von 65 erwachsenen Personen

(Lebensdauer eines TADUS-Traktors: etwa 15.000 Stunden)
CO₂-Ausstoß pro Bundesbürger: 8,1t[8]

In the above calculation example, we consider an agricultural operation with its own PV system under the following assumptions: Tractor utilization: 800 hours/year; Rated power: 107 HP / 80 kW; Diesel consumption per hour: €13.21/h [9]; CO2 emissions per liter: 2.65 kg/l [10] –> CO2 emissions of the conventional tractor per hour: 34.98 kg/h.

Functionality of the Propulsion System

An electric storage unit supplies power to the individual traction, auxiliary, and ancillary drive motors. The propulsion drive is positioned as close as possible to the drive wheels, eliminating the need for complex conventional continuously variable or shifting transmissions. Implement attachments are powered by a power take-off shaft or directly with electric power. Whenever there’s braking or deceleration, energy is regenerated back into the battery (regeneration). A central control unit manages all energy flows centrally, depending on the needs of individual consumers and the available energy. Additionally, the vehicle operator can set priorities, determining which consumers are given preference at different battery levels.

This design of the propulsion system optimally harnesses the unbeatable efficiency of the electric motors. Energy losses are minimized, resulting in lower maintenance and repair requirements, all while achieving a longer lifespan.

Sources:

  1. Maschinenkostenrechner Maschinenring Tirol
  2. ÖKL: Kraftstoffverbrauch in der Land- und Forstwirtschaft
  3. ÖKL: Berechnungsgrundlagen
  4. Presentation by TFZ on 23.01.2023 (Slides can be provided)
  5. Stiftung Energie und Klimaschutz
  6. CO2-Rechner von Quarks (Stand März 2023)
  7. CO2-Rechner von KlimAktiv (Stand März 2023)
  8. Destatis: Weltweiter CO2-Ausstoß 2021
  9. Dekra: Wissenscenter Umwelt und CO2