Finnish Electric Fuel Trial in Agriculture: First-Ever Test on Tractor Performance

In a groundbreaking test, Nokia will conduct a demonstration of a tractor equipped with a diesel engine refueled with electric fuel made from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide. On Tuesday, VTT will test the use of this new fuel in vehicle applications for the first time. The technology research center has been developing the production of electric fuel for commercial and industrial-scale use with companies, and now it’s ready to be tested in real-world scenarios.

The project’s leader, Juha Lehtonen, says that the electric fuel can replace fossil diesel fuels in areas that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy road traffic and shipping. It can also be used in work machines. The next step is to gather information about the usability of the fuel through a field test. This trial is taking place at Agco Power’s factory in Nokia, where a tractor equipped with a diesel engine is being refueled with electric fuel. During the test drive, which lasts several hours, various factors such as fuel consumption and emissions are being measured.

VTT’s project received EUR 3.3 million in funding from Business Finland, but additional investments from companies increased the funding to more than EUR six million. The success of this project could pave the way for wider adoption of electric fuels in various industries and sectors.