ONOX
raumideen GmbH & Co. KG
Design: PONG Design
Thanks to its replaceable batteries, the ‘ONOX’ electric tractor enables farms to work completely self-sufficiently and independently of fluctuating diesel prices, with no downtime during recharging. Many farms generate electricity using their own photovoltaic or biogas systems. ‘ONOX’ is a solution for utilising and storing self-generated electricity, even at locations with a low connected load. This leads to cost savings and greater independence.
Award winner 2024 in the category »Konzept«»Power charging is a hot topic, but ‘ONOX’ takes a different approach. To charge quickly you need a high connected load, which is rarely available in rural areas. Today, 40% of agricultural enterprises have their own PV systems, which is where the ‘ONOX’ electric tractor comes into play. The battery blocks charge slowly, helping to protect the battery, the power grid and farmers’ wallets. Once charged, they are quick and easy to exchange.«
Michael Volkmer
Three questions for Mathis Reck, Design responsible
How did the idea for “ONOX” come about?
The idea of developing an electric vehicle for agriculture was born through joint discussions with our project initiator, Michael Hetzer. The objective was to harness self-generated energy in a machine that can be put to work all year round. The vehicle concept was developed as part of a master's thesis by Sebastian Schlegel at the Technical University of Munich. The end result is an electric tractor that can be used for maintenance work, as a farm tractor and as a municipal vehicle. An integral aspect of the concept is the modular exchangeable batteries, which can be picked up and connected using the tractor's own lifting gear.
What was your personal highlight in the development process for “ONOX”? Was there a low point?
The highlight for all of us was when our digital concept sprang to life and went from being a 3D model to an actual tangible vehicle. Sitting in the cab for the first time and setting the tractor in motion really was a tremendous feeling. It was equally tremendous to be presenting the project to a wider public for the first time at Agritechnica 2023, and to then get so much positive feedback.
It goes without saying that the low points in a project are those times when you are confronted with unforeseen challenges. Often, these are minor things that delay the entire development process, which can be incredibly frustrating – especially when expectations are high.
Where do you see your project in five years?
Our plan is to get a number of tractors onto the market as quickly as possible and to gain as much experience as we can, with the aim of gaining a foothold.
Asserting ourselves against larger competitors will be a major challenge, but we see opportunity in our flexibility. We want to become a dedicated manufacturer of tractors, promote the use of renewable energies in agriculture and show what is already possible with the application of new ideas.
