Fact check: False claim that John Deere is rolling out all-electric combines, large tractors

Eleanor McCrary, USA TODAY
·3 min read

The claim: John Deere to test electric tractors and combines at 'partnership farm'

The popularity of electric cars continues to grow, with global electric vehicle sales are up 63% compared to this time last year, according to a recent report from the research firm Canalys.

A post shared on Facebook claims John Deere, the world’s largest farm machinery manufacturer, is now attempting to pivot to electric.

"A close friend farms over 10,000 acres of corn in the mid-west," reads part of the Aug. 13 post. "The property is spread out over 3 counties. His operation is a 'partnership farm' with John Deere. They use the larger farm operations as demonstration projects for promotion and development of new equipment. He recently received a phone call from his John Deere representative, and they want the farm to go to electric tractors and combines in 2023."

The post, which has been shared more than 14,000 times, goes on to claim that John Deere is "being pushed by the lefty Dems in the government to force these electric machines on the American farmer."

The claim isn't true, though.

John Deere has no plan to offer fully battery-powered combines or large tractors.

"It simply isn't feasible," said Jennifer Hartmann, the director of public relations for John Deere.

USA TODAY reached out to several users who shared the post for comment.

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John Deere said this 'simply isn't feasible'

While the company sells some electric vehicles, Hartmann said "there is no plan to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors."

She also said the company does not have "partnership farms" and farms do not have "John Deere representatives."

However, the company does have goals to expand its line of electric vehicles.

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By 2026, John Deere hopes to introduce an electric option in each Turf and Compact Utility Tractor category. These are in the "small ag" department, which the company defines as having less than 165 engine horsepower for tractors, Hartmann said. This does not include combines or large tractors.

The company also hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% in 2022 compared to the 2017 level, according to the John Deere 2021 sustainability report.

"The challenge agriculture faces, particularly in the U.S., is balancing the capabilities of electric power and the need for power at scale and size," said Hartmann. "In the foreseeable future, a blend of electric and combustion power, including clean biofuels, will likely be required to meet these challenges."

Our rating: False

Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that John Deere is looking to test electric tractors and combines at a "partnership farm." The company only has electric options for small tractors and does not have plans to offer fully battery-operated combines and large tractors.

Our fact-check sources:

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Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: No, John Deere has no plans for an all-electric combine

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