Anyone who thinks that Volkswagen is only dedicated to producing cars and SUVs with combustion or electric engines, as well as vans and pickups, is unaware of the GenFarm Projectwhich aims Make life easier for farmers in some of the poorest regions of Africa. And this includes electric tractors and battery-powered scootersboth available in rentto reduce costs for users.
After the design phase, GenFarm evolved into a pilot project, where the theories that shaped it were tested. And to check if this sustainable agriculture alternative in rural African areas works, those responsible for the construction company settled in Rwandaa small country that is also one of the poorest and most densely populated, with its economic model highly dependent on agricultureactivity to which more than 90% of the population is dedicated.
Committed to improving the lives of local inhabitants, for whom fuel is too expensive and buying a tractor is a mirage, Volkswagen launched the rental of seconds and chose to move them with the energy stored in the battery. Electric tractors have only 27 HP (20 kW), an acceptable power for those who need a compact model.
The motor works with a 32 kWh capacity battery, which definitely does not allow plowing large surfaces, so the brand designed a Quick way to change a dead battery for a charged one and ready to continue with the work. Meanwhile, the “empty” accumulator will be recharged by renewable energy generated from photovoltaic panelssince there is no shortage of sun in those parts.
The genesis of this project dates back to 2021, when Herbert Diess was (still) at the head of the Volkswagen Group. In fact, it was the then CEO who tested the tractor and found it suitable for GenFarm’s needs. The Government of Rwanda provided the land and was supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German government agency for international development and cooperation. Both united in the hope that, in this way, it will be possible to feed Rwandans and increase the gross domestic product of the country, which currently depends on 25% of agriculture.
Source: Observadora
