ALL FARMERS CAN TAKE CONTROL
OF THEIR ON FARM FUEL COSTS
Farmers now have access to the technology to significantly reduce their on-farm fuel costs with the introduction of the all-electric Tuatara farm utility vehicle.
The Tuatara is fitted with the same Lithium Iron phosphate ( LiFePO4 ) batteries that are used in electric vehicles worldwide. Either 1 or 2 batteries can be fitted giving a real on farm range of over 160km. This can be greatly extended because these batteries like being charged and can be plugged in at smokos, lunchtime, during milking , and at night. They can charge at 15 amps which rapidly refills the battery.
The Tuatara with its water-cooled 15KW electric motor will climb 35-degree slopes and swampy areas. The large tyres and wide footprint are used to give good traction using 2WD,4WD, and all-wheel diff lock.
“ It is quiet with a very roomy 3 full seat, enclosed cab to give all-weather comfort. It will do all the work done by ATVs, UTVs, Farm Utes, and some work now done by a tractor. The 3 decks can do multiple jobs around the farm” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.
“ NZ is totally dependent on fuel coming in from overseas and the green movement combined with ESG investing has meant no new refineries are being built and a number have closed including our own Marsden Point. This plus many other worldwide issues including freight costs mean we will never see cheap fuel again. I predict petrol costs could reach $4.00 per litre by early 2023” says Mr de Boer.
“ The on-farm production of solar and wind has the problem that the power cannot be stored. This energy can be stored in the Tuatara’s batteries plus standby lithium batteries for later use. The Tuatara could be used to power remote huts and farm operations. We are also working to fit a solar power system to the roof of the Tuatara so power can be generated as it is used.
This will all leave farmers in better control of their costs and outside interference . Sunlight and wind are in plentiful supply and will always be free to use! ” says Alex.
Worldwide pollution is an issue for our planet that needs to be brought under control. On farm each UTV is producing about 10 tonne of CO2 per year plus all the other particulates that are being breathed into our bodies. “ With the introduction of the Tuatara to farming this pollution can be greatly reduced at no real cost but considerable and increasing fuel bills can be eliminated. Maintenance is also a lot lower. It is a win-win all round which are always the best deals. We can even finance the cost of the vehicle over 5 years . Fuel savings will cover the finance cost so there is no capital cost to outlay.” concludes Mr de Boer.