Despite the rapid development of new energy technologies in China and the increasing adoption of new energy vehicles, fuel-powered systems continue to dominate the agricultural sector. Taking the Lanjiang S1000 orchard robot as an example, a pure electric solution is impractical for the following reasons:
1、Battery Capacity
The S1000 robot uses a 36kW range extender diesel generator with a maximum power output of 44kW. Assuming an average load of 70%, the hourly power consumption is about 30kWh, and the robot operates for more than 8 hours daily. If a pure electric solution were to be implemented, it would require over 240kWh of lithium battery modules.
2、Battery Cost
Using lithium iron phosphate batteries, the estimated cost is at least $17,000. For ternary lithium batteries, the cost would not be less than $24,000. These high battery costs would significantly increase the overall vehicle price.
3、Battery Weight
Lithium iron phosphate batteries weigh about 8 kilograms per kWh. Thus, a 240kWh battery would weigh 1,920 kilograms, nearly 2 tons. This additional weight would greatly increase the total vehicle weight, leading to decreased energy efficiency and negatively impacting driving speed, climbing, and turning capabilities.
4、Charging Time
Charging lithium iron phosphate batteries with a 220V mains supply delivers about 15kWh per hour. Therefore, a 240kWh battery would take 16 hours to fully charge. Given that orchards are typically located in remote areas without fast-charging infrastructure, the cost of installing high-voltage charging stations would be prohibitively high.
5、Battery Swapping
For 2-hour operations with battery swapping, a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate battery would be needed. However, a single spare battery would not meet charging needs (requiring 4 hours to fully charge). Additionally, a 60kWh battery weighs 500 kilograms, making it difficult to swap manually and necessitating the use of lifting equipment.
In conclusion, pure electric solutions are not feasible due to issues related to cost, endurance, weight, and charging. Unless there is a significant breakthrough in lithium battery technology in terms of energy density and cost, pure electric drive modes will struggle to meet the demands of orchard operations.
