Monarch Tractor Launches MK-V Electric, Driver-Optional Tractor
December 1, 2022
Monarch Tractor has unveiled its MK-V tractor, which combines electrification, automation, and data analysis to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint, improve field safety, streamline farming operations, and increase their bottom lines. Constellation Brands, a fine wine and craft spirits producer and largest U.S. beer importer, has bought the first six Founder Series MK-V tractors. This will reportedly be followed by additional customer shipments to family farms and other large multinational corporations.
Utilizing a Monarch MK-V in place of a comparable diesel tractor is the equivalent emission reduction of removing 14 passenger vehicles from the road, the company said. Considering nearly 25% of global emissions result from agriculture, the zero-emission Monarch Tractor will help make meaningful emissions reductions as the use of Monarch Tractors scale upward. The use of the MK-V tractor also helps meet challenges farmers face such as labor shortages, safety concerns, sustainable practices, and government regulations. The MK-V is 100 percent electric and has zero tailpipe emissions. It operates as a tractor or utility vehicle, and as a powerful electric generator.
Monarch utilizes the latest autonomous and robotics hardware and software technology, including the NVIDIA Jetson edge AI platform, to provide driver-assist and driver-optional operations. The Monarch MK-V can perform pre-programmed tasks without a driver, or an operator can use the Monarch interactive automation features including Shadow mode to have the Monarch Tractor follow a worker on the job.
Through a smartphone or personal device, MK-V users receive tractor status alerts, detailed operations reports, and data collection, analysis, and storage for more efficient farm planning. The Monarch electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40 HP (30 KW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 75 HP (55 KW) in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage.
“This is a momentous day for Monarch Tractor that has been years in the making,” said Praveen Penmetsa, co-founder & CEO, Monarch Tractor. “Our team has worked tirelessly and relentlessly with a mission to make farming more profitable and sustainable. We’re proud to see our commitment to technological innovation and sustainable solutions culminate in celebrating our first tractor off the production line, which, I might add, is powered by renewable energy.”
Monarch Tractor has also raised more than $110 million, including a $61 million Series B round in 2021. Additionally, Monarch Tractor, of the NVIDIA Inception startup program, has secured several strategic partnerships globally including CNH Industrial and V.S.T. Tillers Tractors, and recently signed a contract manufacturing agreement with Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”,) the world’s largest electronic manufacturer, to build the MK-V and its battery packs at the Foxconn Ohio facility. Manufacturing operations are expected to begin at the Foxconn Mahoning Valley, Ohio facility in 2023, while tractor research and development will continue in California. Monarch’s production line, headquarters and manufacturing facility are in Livermore, Calif.
To learn more, visit the Monarch website here.
