Steve Heckeroth has dedicated his life to creating working alternatives to the non–renewable, environmentally damaging use of fossil fuels.
On the first Earth Day in 1970, Steve began his journey toward addressing the negative effects of burning fossil fuels. His first step along this path, after earning his Bachelor of Architecture, was pioneering the design of passive solar homes. Then in 1990, encouraged by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Zero Emissions Mandate, he turned his attention to transportation.
Steve began designing and building various types of electric vehicles and in 1992 founded MendoMotive and Electrac. These early versions of electric vehicles revealed a key fact: the weight of batteries was the biggest problem for electric cars.
Then one day at a County Fair, Steve was struck by a realisation: tractors benefit from added weight due to increased traction; the heavy batteries would be a huge benefit! With this vision, Steve designed and built several electric tractors for individuals and then received a commission to build an experimental electric tractor for Ford/New Holland in 1995.
The following year, Steve was commissioned by a Japanese company (EFRIG) to build an electric tractor to be used in the critical processes of removing land mines left behind after wars. The prototypes, for this commission, were created with many new innovations like steer-by-wire, zero-radius steering, remote- control operation, individual wheel motors, on board inverter and charger for mobile AC power, motors mounted on implements to replace PTOs and improve efficiency and safety, and the first ever use of linear actuators on a full function electric tractor.
Today, Solectrac Inc, located in Northern California, has developed 100% battery-powered, all-electric tractors for agriculture and utility operations. Solectrac tractors provide an opportunity for farmers around the world to power their tractors by using the sun, wind, and other clean renewable sources of energy. The company’s mission is to offer farmers independence from the pollution, infrastructure, and price volatility associated with fossil fuels.
Everything you expect from a tractor without the pollution and noise:
Compact Electric Tractor (CET)
The CET is versatile with four wheel drive power in a small package. A powerful and capable compact utility vehicle for any farm powered by renewable energy, the CET is perfect for hauling, mowing, tilling, and those jobs that do not require a larger tractor.
eUtility Electric Tractor
The 40 HP diesel-equivalent eUtility is the ideal tractor for vineyards, equestrian centers, livestock operations, and other utility type work. Ready for your most demanding jobs on the farm and with engine noise and diesel fumes a thing of the past, you will literally breathe easier.
The eFarmer
The 30 HP diesel-equivalent eFarmer provides unparalleled visibility and maneuverability. Unique, minimalistic design provides unparalleled visibility and control for row crop farms, at a fraction of the cost of diesel fuel tractors.
EarthRenew’s technology turns livestock waste into organic fertiliser
Strengthening dietary guidelines to feed a nature-positive future
