PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Agricultural activities are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of pollution in rural areas, accounting for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Agricultural machines are usually equipped with high-power diesel engines that have high efficiency, durability and reliability. However, they are responsible for the production of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Shifting from machinery using fossil fuels to zero-emission alternatives can significantly reduce on-farm emissions.
OBJECTIVES
LIFE ATENA aims to introduce a new disruptive modular platform for the electrification of specialised compact tractors. It will design and construct two electrified prototypes of compact tractors: one hybrid and one fully electric. It will also design and construct five prototypes of fully electrically powered agricultural equipment and will assemble and verify the correct joint functioning of a hybrid and fully electric powertrain for the tractor and the electrically powered agricultural equipment.
The project will thus contribute to reducing air pollution in rural areas, demonstrating the potential of an innovative technology. It foresees that fuel consumption could be reduced by 45% through the progressive substitution of the existing vehicle fleet with sustainable machinery.
RESULTS
Expected results:
- Reduction of air pollutants (e.g. PM and NOx) beyond the legal requirements of EU regulation 2016/1628;
- More than 30% reduction of lubricant oil present in machinery, thus significantly reducing the risk of oil dispersion during farming;
- Reduction of noise pollution.
