TACT Answers Electric Tractor Critics, Calls for Govt Backing
TACT has responded to criticism that its electric tractors are linked to a controversial 8‑billion‑baht government farm‑machinery programme, insisting the vehicles are genuinely functional and already exported. The company emphasised local production of key components, called for government support of the supply chain, and highlighted successful tests in clay and flooded fields. It also noted ongoing exports to Malaysia and the development of a hybrid mobile charging system for farm use.
Regarding concerns about usability and after‑sales support, Kengpet said the tractors were designed for easy maintenance in Thailand. Major structural and mechanical components such as the chassis, gears, transmission units, wiring harnesses and accessories are manufactured by TACT’s own factory and local suppliers, while batteries, drive systems and advanced electrical control units still need to be imported. This approach allows spare‑parts stocking and quick service, and local workshop technicians can handle basic mechanical systems. However, the distribution, scheduling and associated costs of deploying the machines through a government programme would need careful design by the responsible agency. On the question of whether the electric tractors can operate in flooded fields, clay soil or soft ground, Kengpet highlighted the high torque of electric motors at low rpm, noting that the machines are only slightly heavier than comparable diesel models and have undergone testing with the National Agricultural Mechanization Center at Kasetsart University’s Kamphaeng Saen campus and with the soil‑doctor group of the Land Development Department in Suphan Buri. The tractors perform normally in clay and flooded conditions and consume less energy than traditional combustion‑engine units. For field charging, TACT reported receiving research funding from the Office of Agricultural Research Development to develop a hybrid mobile charger that can be dragged to the head of a field to service tractors, other vehicles and agricultural drones. The charger’s diesel‑fuelled generator supplies part of the electricity for charging, still reducing overall energy use compared with directly powering the machinery. Kengpet added that TACT has already exported electric tractors for commercial use in Malaysia through a local partner, MKR, under the brand name “Terra …”.
