Volkswagen Pilots Electric Tractors With Swappable Batteries in African Farming Initiative

Volkswagen has launched the pilot phase of the GenFarm Project in Africa, introducing electric tractors and e-scooters as part of its push into sustainable farming technology. The initiative aims to modernize rural agriculture while reducing environmental impact, the company announced.

Central to the project are VW-branded electric tractors, designed to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered equipment. Powered by a 32 kWh battery and delivering 27 horsepower (20 kW), the tractors feature swappable batteries and solar-powered charging, addressing challenges like limited electricity access and operational downtime in rural areas.

Yesterday we celebrated the launch of the GenFarm project along with our @VWGroup & @VWRWanda colleagues!
This innovative farming pilot will be making use of e-tractors as part of a holistic ecosystem that services rural areas in Africa.
Learn more – https://t.co/ibv0Mp5jqb. pic.twitter.com/CUqjc3oxjq

— Volkswagen Group Africa news (@VWGAnews) October 23, 2024

“Farmers can book an e-tractor including a trained driver for affordable sustainable farming,” said Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Innovation. “The unique selling point of the project is the use of the battery swap system. In this way, the battery becomes part of the hub’s energy infrastructure as well as energy storage for the tractor.”

In addition to e-tractors, the program includes e-scooters to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. Operations are based in Gashora, Rwanda, at a facility known as the Empowerment Hub (e-Hub). The hub, equipped with photovoltaic power systems and energy storage, is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.

Launched in partnership with the Rwandan government and supported by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and Germany’s GIZ development agency, the GenFarm Project represents VW’s broader effort to integrate sustainability into agriculture. Agriculture accounts for 25% of Rwanda’s GDP, and the initiative seeks to empower local communities while addressing environmental challenges, Volkswagen said.

The project began in 2021 with the development of an electric tractor prototype and has since secured government backing and land for its operations. Volkswagen sees the pilot as a potential blueprint for sustainable agricultural practices across the region.