Mecwin 45hp Electric Tractor Powertrain Targets OEMs

The platform is built around a 30 kW-class electric drive operating at approximately 400V and uses an eight-forward, four-reverse multi-speed transmission. Mecwin says the system is intended for applications in the 40–55 HP range and has accumulated more than 500 field hours.

Rather than developing a complete tractor under its own brand, the company plans to supply the powertrain to tractor OEMs. Mecwin says the propulsion system can be adapted to an OEM's chassis, tyres, implements, working speeds and duty cycle.

Electric tractor powertrain developed around tractor duty cycles

Mecwin's development approach starts with requirements at the tyre-soil interface, including tractive force, wheel torque, ground speed, implement resistance and wheel slip. These parameters are then used to determine the motor torque-speed envelope, transmission ratios, inverter loading and cooling requirements.

The company says this system-level approach is relevant to agricultural applications where tractors can operate for extended periods at low ground speeds while dealing with changing loads.

"Electric tractor performance is decided at the tyre-soil interface, not by the motor alone," said Anil Sagar B M, Head – NPD, Mecwin Technologies. He said the company engineers the motor, transmission, controls and thermal system together so that the resulting powertrain can be matched to an OEM's duty cycle.

30kW electric drive gets configurable transmission

The current 45 HP-class platform combines a 30 kW-class, approximately 400V electric drive with an eight-forward/four-reverse multi-speed transmission, differential, final drive, driven rear axle, motor controller and CAN/vehicle-control interfaces.

Mecwin says several elements can be configured around the tractor manufacturer's vehicle architecture. These include the PTO and hydraulic-power interfaces, final-drive ratio, packaging and software calibration.

Mecwin plans OEM integration and field validation

The company's next stage with tractor manufacturers is expected to cover vehicle definition, simulation, packaging, prototype integration, calibration, field validation and production industrialisation. Mecwin is bringing its electric-machine, power-electronics, controls, mechanical-driveline and validation capabilities into the programme.

The company says the powertrain will be adapted to individual tractor applications rather than offered as a single universal gearbox.