Engineering company Escorts Ltd today took the covers off India’s first hybrid concept tractor. The fuel and battery-powered tractor has maximum power of 70-75hp power which can be boosted up to 90hp with the help of its hybridisation feature. The company revealed the new concept at Esclusive 2019, Escorts’ annual innovation platform and technology forum.

Escorts’ hybrid tractor has four operating modes. In Hybrid mode, the machine uses two sources of energy – diesel and electric – to propel the vehicle. In pure electric mode, the tractor can run only on batteries with zero emissions. In ICE direct mode, the tractor is driven and operated as a conventional tractor with an Internal Combustion Engine. It has three charging modes – Regeneration, when excess power is available while working, ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and plug-in mode, in which the vehicle in standstill position is connected to a standard wall socket with a charging device.

The company also showcased a hybrid backhoe loader concept whose 50hp can be hiked to 75hp. Escorts claims the product “offers exceptional overall performance with higher productivity, fuel efficiency and convenience at a reduced carbon footprint. It has three working modes – Hybrid, ICE Diesel and Electric Excavator.

Escorts also presented a Rural Transport Vehicle (RTV) concept named ‘Rider’ targeted at rural farming and hard terrain maneuvering. The RTV, according to the company, will also enable applications in haulage, construction, agriculture produce logistics, and various other utility segments offering a payload capacity of 750kg and an optional four-wheel drive mode.

According to Nikhil Nanda, chairman and MD, Escorts, “After the successful launch of electric and autonomous concept tractors in the last two Esclusive platforms, it is a proud moment for Escorts to have pioneered in developing India’s first concept Hybrid Tractor, Hybrid Backhoe and an RTV this year. Through our focus on innovation and R&D, Escorts has always strived to make world-class technology driven products available to the farming and infrastructure space. These smart technology solutions are developed to cut down on emissions and increasing fuel efficiency boost productivity and agriculture output.”