CNH Industrial has released an electric prototype tractor in partnership with Californian firm Monarch, which will be branded in both New Holland and Case IH liveries.

The blue T4 Electric Power is the first to break cover, sporting a single 75hp electric motor that gives it sufficient oomph to run smaller livestock equipment. It can also barrel along at speeds of up to 40kph.

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Fume-free operation and 90% less noise output than a diesel equivalent make it an attractive option for working in buildings.

It can also be used as a backup power source for other machines, powered tools or implements.

© New Holland

According to New Holland, engineers have allowed sufficient battery capacity for it to do a full day’s work before needing to plug in, and they have fitted a fast-charging system that replenishes the cells in about an hour.

As an added party trick, the T4 Electric Power has been geared up for autonomous driving and remote operation with sensors and cameras that can detect and avoid obstacles, as well as monitor the job being carried out.

Telematics, auto guidance and a fleet management system allow specific tasks to be assigned to different machines. And there’s a shadowing mode that synchronises tractors so they can work together.