Consortium Led By Gridtractor Demonstrates Innovative V2G Technology With Electric Tractor

In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and energy management, Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have showcased a pioneering Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability through a collaborative demonstration. This event, held at PG&E’s Applied Technology Services (ATS) center in San Ramon, California, featured the 100% electric Monarch MK-V tractor utilizing a Borg Warner 60 kW DC Fast Charger, all orchestrated by Gridtractor’s innovative cloud-based charge management system. This system adheres to the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), ensuring seamless integration and communication between the charging infrastructure and the electric tractor.

The demonstration was part of a project funded by a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC), aimed at developing advanced "Vehicle to Building" technology. This marks the first instance of V2G capabilities being deployed from the Monarch MK-V tractor, signifying a milestone in technology development for high-power energy export. The Monarch MK-V serves as a versatile electrification tool, functioning not only as a tractor but also as a utility vehicle and a potent electric generator. This capability enables it to support high-capacity energy exports, as demonstrated in this project.

Once this integrated system becomes commercially available, it will offer significant benefits to MK-V tractor owners. By participating in dynamic rate and demand response programs, owners can reduce charging costs and generate additional revenue, on top of the savings already achieved through electric vehicle (EV) operations. Gridtractor’s platform facilitates this by integrating energy market connections and load scheduling applications, promoting efficient "automated load management." This ensures optimal coordination of charging and discharging activities with other site loads, enhancing the utilization of existing electrical services without overloading them.

The flexibility and scalability of Gridtractor’s platform are noteworthy, featuring IoT and market integrations with a native OCPP-based architecture. This allows for seamless connection between any energy market or program and various Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) applications. The potential for agricultural customers to enhance their return on investment (ROI) by electrifying their MK-V tractor fleets is further bolstered by incentives, grants, and bill savings from dynamic rates programs recently approved. Such initiatives not only improve the financial viability of adopting electric tractors but also contribute to grid reliability in local communities.

Gridtractor operates an advanced platform designed to optimize rural and farm vehicle charging by leveraging existing electrical services. It integrates these services with dynamic energy markets and load management programs to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agricultural operations. For more details on Gridtractor’s innovative solutions, visit their website or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Established in 2018, Monarch Tractor is at the forefront of agricultural innovation with its MK-V model - the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor. By combining electrification with automation, machine learning, and data analysis, Monarch Tractor aims to revolutionize farming practices. Their technology not only reduces operational costs and emissions but also boosts labor productivity and enhances safety on farms. For more information about Monarch Tractor and its transformative solutions for modern agriculture, contact Sandya Kola or visit their website.

About Borg Warner

Borg Warner is recognized for its development and manufacturing of cutting-edge bi-directional electric vehicle charging infrastructure, high-efficiency power conversion systems, and energy management system (EMS) software. These solutions are integral for V2G capable electric vehicle fleet charging, energy storage, and microgrid applications. Borg Warner’s contributions are pivotal in advancing sustainable energy management practices across various sectors.