Characterising Off-Road EV Tractors for Agricultural Adoption: A Narative Review

The current study investigates the technological changes in the automotive industry, especially electric vehicles (EVs) that have emerged as the latest trend since the environmental crisis, diminishing gasoline resources, and the requirement for higher work efficiency. The EV adoption remains novel in the Malaysian agricultural sector, although the adoption is beneficial, especially to oil palm plantations. Nonetheless, the adoption poses a significant challenge to farmers and government link companies (GLC) in uncertain economic conditions. Therefore, the present qualitative study aims to identify EV characteristics that contribute to the adoption of ideal EV tractors in the agricultural sector, which allows the tractors to be efficiently operated, managed, and repaired. Resultantly, four primary factors were identified and analysed after interviewing six stakeholders to obtain insights into the perspectives, certainty, and validity of the intended factors. The findings demonstrated significant advantages of EV towing and cargo capacity, off-road capability, and comfort and safety features. Comparatively, cost, maintenance, spare parts, and repairs were significant barriers to encouraging EV adoption. Hence, investments in maintenance infrastructure and technician training are crucial following the complexity of EV systems and operations to achieve long-term technological savings and environmental benefits.