Electric Machines in Agriculture: Origin,Development and Applications

Since the late 19th century, the use of electricity in agriculture has been experimented with. In 1873, researchers sought to determine if the electric trolley system used in omnibuses could be adapted for use in ploughing and tilling fields. Although the use of gasoline tractors eventually led to the decline of electricity in agriculture, recent advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have revitalized interest in electrically powered drones and tractors. In his sixth installment of his electric transport history series, Kevin Desmond explores the work of the innovative engineers who have made these e-tractors and agricultural drones a reality.