Hydrogen fuel cell technology enters the field as CNH’s Steyr brand tests new pathways for sustainable farming.
Hydrogen Tractor Concept Targets Zero-Emission Farming
Steyr Traktoren, a CNH Industrial brand, has revealed the FCTRAC prototype, developed in partnership with TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology). The concept tractor represents a major step toward near-zero-emission agriculture, using biogenic hydrogen as fuel and a fuel cell-electric drivetrain in place of a conventional diesel engine.
The FCTRAC is based on the Steyr 4140 Expert CVT platform, a proven mid-range model. In the prototype, the diesel powerplant has been replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell system feeding electric drive motors, supported by a 400-volt electrical system and a 14 kWh high-voltage battery.
Performance and Specs
Power Output
- Continuous power: 95 kW (≈ 130 hp).
- Comparable to the diesel engine of the donor Steyr 4140 Expert CVT.
Drivetrain and Energy Storage
- Fuel cell-electric drivetrain replaces the diesel power unit.
- 400 V electrical system integrated across major components.
- 14 kWh high-voltage battery for energy buffering, peak load support, and regenerative braking.
Hydrogen Storage
- Compressed hydrogen gas tanks instead of diesel fuel tanks.
- Designed for near-zero emission operation with only water vapor as byproduct.
BioH2Module Concept
- On-farm hydrogen generation from agricultural biomass or organic waste.
- Approx. 15–16 kg of dry biomass = energy equivalent to 3.5 liters of diesel.
- Supports a renewable energy cycle directly linked to farming operations.
Prototype Limitations Observed in Testing
- Around 20% heavier than the standard Steyr 4140 (≈ 7.2 t total).
- 42 cm taller due to additional hydrogen and fuel cell packaging.
- Limited operating hours per refueling under typical field loads.
- Hydrogen refueling infrastructure and storage remain a major barrier.
Research Platform, Not Yet Commercial
While the FCTRAC has attracted attention as a clean, quiet, and futuristic machine, it remains a technology demonstrator rather than a commercial product. CNH Industrial and TU Wien emphasize that the project’s main goal is to evaluate hydrogen’s viability for agriculture and explore pathways for on-farm hydrogen production.
The concept joins a wider industry trend where manufacturers are experimenting with battery electric tractors, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen solutions, reflecting the urgency to decarbonize agriculture.
About Steyr
Founded in Austria, Steyr Traktoren has a long tradition of building durable tractors for European farms and forests. Today, as part of CNH Industrial, Steyr combines its regional heritage with global research and development. The FCTRAC is the latest example of the brand’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and practical solutions for modern farmers.
Source: media.cnh.com
