Cellestial E-Mobility, a Hyderabad based startup has rolled out its first prototype electric tractor. This tractor is economical to operate, as powerful as a diesel tractor,
while consuming less energy. With features like with features like battery swapping, regenerative braking, AC charging, battery that can act as a UPS, this product will be very beneficial to the agriculture industry. The best part the electric tractor will be cheaper than equivalent diesel tractors.
We spoke to Mr Syed Mubasheer , founder of Cellestial E-Mobility and asked him some questions on this very interesting product.
while consuming less energy. With features like with features like battery swapping, regenerative braking, AC charging, battery that can act as a UPS, this product will be very beneficial to the agriculture industry. The best part the electric tractor will be cheaper than equivalent diesel tractors.
We spoke to Mr Syed Mubasheer , founder of Cellestial E-Mobility and asked him some questions on this very interesting product.
Q) Do give us a brief introduction and vision of your company Celestial E-Mobility
We created Cellestial E-Mobility to work on a collaborative project by our 4 partners with over 15 years of experience in Battery manufacturing, Engineering design, Machine casting fabrication and tractor manufacturing. Our vision is to to design & manufacture Electric Tractors/Farm equipment, Forklift/Tow Trucks/Carts and Low-cost People Movers.
Q) Tell us about eHaul your first working prototype. It looks like a tractor, but this feels like a platform that can be extended to other use cases too?
The prototype is a narrow Guage Tractor format ( 21HP diesel equivalent). The idea of the build was to realize our functional capabilities as a team. Design, Battery engineering, precision fabrication and Tractor domain expertise. That said the idea is to have , what we call a "Skateboard" design. A modular approach to scale the design across different product /applications in the traction requirements domain. Light and heavy equipment that need constant torque as an inherent requirement to operate.
We created Cellestial E-Mobility to work on a collaborative project by our 4 partners with over 15 years of experience in Battery manufacturing, Engineering design, Machine casting fabrication and tractor manufacturing. Our vision is to to design & manufacture Electric Tractors/Farm equipment, Forklift/Tow Trucks/Carts and Low-cost People Movers.
Q) Tell us about eHaul your first working prototype. It looks like a tractor, but this feels like a platform that can be extended to other use cases too?
The prototype is a narrow Guage Tractor format ( 21HP diesel equivalent). The idea of the build was to realize our functional capabilities as a team. Design, Battery engineering, precision fabrication and Tractor domain expertise. That said the idea is to have , what we call a "Skateboard" design. A modular approach to scale the design across different product /applications in the traction requirements domain. Light and heavy equipment that need constant torque as an inherent requirement to operate.
| Electric Tractor in action! |  Mr Syed Mubasheer , founder of Cellestial E-Mobility |
Q) How does the electric tractor eHaul compare to diesel tractors in terms of power needed to get things done in rough terrain?
You will agree perhaps that very little data exists in public knowledge. Our first mover activity will also include building/documenting this "field experience" and scramble the data to narrow down to optimal designs.
Q) Also 90% tractors use CI(compression ignition) diesel engines for high torque. Can the eHaul match a diesel equivalent tractor?
Having embarked on this journey. We have, as a team, a product at hand, few more prototype of higher configurations in progress to build.
While there is no doubt, from an engineering perspective, to build low speed- high torque electric propulsion. It is matter of establishing within purview of many variables…you know ,like size, duration of operation and most importantly cost. Surely, another milestone to achieve in due course.
Q) In the press release, you say that the peak power delivered by the motor of the electric tractor is 4.47 kW. This will perform similarly to an ICE engine tractor that is capable of 21 kW power. So an electric tractor is far more efficient in terms of power consumed. Is our assumption right?
Yes. You are right. The incidental product build adds incremental elements that can enhance or reduce this efficiency.
Q) When it comes to tractors, we feel range is less important. Can a lead acid battery be used to cut costs?
Lead acid battery presents as an opportunity to meet price aspirations , while delivering a green energy – farm equipment. It is important as we considered that 80% of our economy is Agri driven. So a product that aligns to reducing cost of farmer towards production of his crops. It would prove to be a landmark.
Q) What are the immediate milestones for the company in the next 6 months?
Two more Proof of concepts, one in pipeline and on the anvil, the other is stages of finalizing concepts.
Q) When do you anticipate eHaul to be production ready?
We have done this first prototype in 4.5 months. We know of some OEM’s, who have tried before, have taken 1.5 – 2.5 years. We dream to get pilot productions out in 4 -6 months - for 100 units. We hope we can synergise qualification, certification, secure strategic funding to meet this goal.
Thank you Mr Syed! We wish your team the best of luck!
You will agree perhaps that very little data exists in public knowledge. Our first mover activity will also include building/documenting this "field experience" and scramble the data to narrow down to optimal designs.
Q) Also 90% tractors use CI(compression ignition) diesel engines for high torque. Can the eHaul match a diesel equivalent tractor?
Having embarked on this journey. We have, as a team, a product at hand, few more prototype of higher configurations in progress to build.
While there is no doubt, from an engineering perspective, to build low speed- high torque electric propulsion. It is matter of establishing within purview of many variables…you know ,like size, duration of operation and most importantly cost. Surely, another milestone to achieve in due course.
Q) In the press release, you say that the peak power delivered by the motor of the electric tractor is 4.47 kW. This will perform similarly to an ICE engine tractor that is capable of 21 kW power. So an electric tractor is far more efficient in terms of power consumed. Is our assumption right?
Yes. You are right. The incidental product build adds incremental elements that can enhance or reduce this efficiency.
Q) When it comes to tractors, we feel range is less important. Can a lead acid battery be used to cut costs?
Lead acid battery presents as an opportunity to meet price aspirations , while delivering a green energy – farm equipment. It is important as we considered that 80% of our economy is Agri driven. So a product that aligns to reducing cost of farmer towards production of his crops. It would prove to be a landmark.
Q) What are the immediate milestones for the company in the next 6 months?
Two more Proof of concepts, one in pipeline and on the anvil, the other is stages of finalizing concepts.
Q) When do you anticipate eHaul to be production ready?
We have done this first prototype in 4.5 months. We know of some OEM’s, who have tried before, have taken 1.5 – 2.5 years. We dream to get pilot productions out in 4 -6 months - for 100 units. We hope we can synergise qualification, certification, secure strategic funding to meet this goal.
Thank you Mr Syed! We wish your team the best of luck!