John Deere, the American corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, has acquired a majority interest in the Austrian company Kreisel Electric, who specialise in renewable battery energy.
John Deere wants to help its customers reduce their impact on the environment while also making them as efficient and productive as possible. This is a step forwards because Kreisel Electric develops high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs. Plus, it has also developed a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO) that uses the company’s patented battery technology.
Pierre Guyot, John Deere Power Systems senior vice president, said: “John Deere is committed to a future with zero emissions propulsion systems and is investing in and developing technologies for batteries as a sole- or hybrid-propulsion system for vehicles.
“Kreisel specialises in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) which use chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs, with no secondary source of propulsion.”
According to Guyot, demand for battery-powered propulsion systems for the equipment they produce is growing. In the near future Deere’s turf equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction vehicles and some road building equipment could rely solely on batteries as a power source.
Guyot added: “Charging stations will also be key to customer adoption of electrification. We recognise that our customers will need both stationary and mobile fast-charging solutions.”
Teaming up with Kreisel in this joint venture allows John Deere to integrate vehicle and powertrain designs around high-density battery packs. This will maximise performance while also using Kreisel’s charging technology to build the charging infrastructure customers will need.
Kreisel Electric will retain its employees, brand name and trademark and continue to operate from its current location in Austria to serve its growing customer base. The company, founded by brothers Johann, Markus and Philipp Kreisel, will retain its 160 full-time employees.
Guyot concluded: “Electrification is a key enabler for automation and autonomy and helps us generate more customer insights to reduce operating costs.
“We also know that over the next 3 to 5 years, battery prices are expected to decline and greater availability of battery charging stations will make it increasingly convenient to have battery-electric vehicles.
“We believe that as battery-electric vehicle costs come down, our customers will increasingly want battery-powered machines.”
