In 2020 California-based HummingBirdEV launched its first all-electric powertrain systems in farm equipment. For a year, four Hummingbird® 65HP electric tractors have been in field-testing working around farms, through harvest, and around the processing plant at Moonlight Companies in Reedley, California. Now the company has a new all-electric Class 6 mobile Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging tender truck, delivered to Moonlight Companies last week to begin its field testing phase.
Vehicle to Vehicle Charging (V2V)
Hummingbird tractors were previously being charged solely from a Hummingbird® wall-charger, but now they can be recharged directly in the field / orchard. The tractors are simply paired with an all-electric Hummingbird Class 6 zero-emission vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging truck. This eliminates time consuming round-trips back to the charging station; a big advantage – especially during harvest.
The V2V unit is equipped to charge up to two Hummingbird® electric tractors simultaneously in the field in 30 minutes. When the V2V runs low on power, it is driven back to its charging station and recharged.
- Battery pack capacity: 88 kWh
- Charging power: up to 40 KW (at Level 2 AC Charging).
- Maximum charging time: 2 hours, to an 80% State of Charge
(depending on the grid voltage and current) - Maximum speed: 60 MPH
- Vehicle range: 90 miles per charge
When fitted with a flatbed, the truck can also be used as a utility truck, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 lbs.
Prototype Clean Technology Funding
HummingbirdEV’s initial all-electric powertrain and vehicle prototypes for farming applications are partially funded through a California Air Resources grant awarded to and administered by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Project Clean Air, Inc. (Bakersfield, CA) with funding coming from California Climate Investments for the San Joaquin Valley Electric Tractor Development and Demonstration Project. California Climate Investments creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.
The farming partners that are testing HummingbirdEV’s zero-emission equipment include Moonlight Companies, Fresno State AG Farm and Ranch Management. These farming partners are and will rigorously field-test the HummingbirdEV all-electric tractors and vehicle-to-vehicle class 6 mobile electric charging truck, with assistance from the Fresno State Transportation Institute.
