16 September 2024 New electric tractor bound for Lincoln University Energy Farm sparks interest

A new Knegt 404G2E 55HP electric tractor, which will be used at the Lincoln University Energy Farm, was unveiled on campus on Monday 16 September.

Sourced from the Netherlands, the tractor was officially launched by Ms Carolien Vis, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to New Zealand.

The new tractor will be a critical component of the Lincoln University Energy Farm, and will be key to the farm achieving its goal of being fossil fuel-free.

Ms Carolien Vis cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially launch the new Knegt electric tractor

The Energy Farm will comprise a solar array of around 2,800 photovoltaic (PV) panels generating ~2.3 GWh of renewable energy per year. The installation will be the first in Aotearoa to demonstrate high-value agrivoltaics, with the production of premium horticulture crops like blueberries alongside the generation of commercial-scale solar energy.

The purchase of the Knegt 404G2E tractor was made possible by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Demonstration Fund, Meridian Energy and Power Turf New Zealand.

Lincoln University will present the new electric tractor at the Lincoln Community Day hosted on campus on 22 September and at the Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo being held at Te Pae on 27 and 28 September.

Read more about the Lincoln University Energy Farm here >>>

For media enquiries email media@lincoln.ac.nz or phone 03 325 3827.

The new Knegt 404G2E 55HP electric tractor