Key Takeaways
- Kubota Corporation unveiled its autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor concept at the “Hydrogen Energy Park!!” during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
- The tractor is the first of its kind powered by hydrogen fuel cells with autonomous driving functions.
- The model was designed to address decarbonization and labor shortages in agriculture.
- Technical specifications included compressed hydrogen fuel, solid polymer fuel cells, and output equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel engine.
- Kubota plans to conduct demonstration tests in Japan to evaluate real-world applications.
World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Tractor Demonstrated By Kubota
Kubota Corporation (Stock) presented its autonomous fuel cell tractor concept at the “Hydrogen Energy Park!!” exhibition, held September 22–25, 2025, at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The company described the unveiling as the world’s first of a tractor powered by hydrogen fuel cells with autonomous driving capabilities.
Sustainable Agriculture and Labor Efficiency
The concept was developed in response to two challenges facing agriculture globally: the need for decarbonization to combat climate change and the shortage of labor caused by population aging. Kubota highlighted hydrogen fuel cells as a promising solution for large agricultural machinery, offering high energy density for long operating hours while producing only water emissions.
The model also integrated autonomous driving and remote-control functions to enhance efficiency and reduce on-farm labor needs.
Technical Highlights
- Dimensions: 4380 mm (L) x 2200 mm (W) x 2290 mm (H)
- Output: Equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel tractor
- Fuel: Compressed hydrogen
- Fuel Cell Type: Solid polymer
Next Steps For Kubota
Kubota announced plans to carry out demonstration tests in Japan to validate autonomous operations, assess hydrogen supply systems for agriculture, and determine performance under field conditions. The company stated that this development reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable and intelligent agricultural machinery.
