The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Steyr (CNH), and other partners have launched the Hytrac project in Austria to evaluate the integrated use of hydrogen in agricultural mechanization. The research combines a tractor with an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen and an on-farm infrastructure for the production, storage, and refueling of the fuel. The work aims to reduce mechanization emissions without compromising power, operational autonomy, and flexibility in the field. A real-world demonstration will take place at the Energy Hub Neusiedl in Neusiedl am See.
The project received funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency and the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund. The proposal broadens the focus beyond the powertrain. The system connects the tractor to the infrastructure called Combhy. This structure brings together hydrogen production, storage, compression, and refueling within a single energy concept for the rural property.
The research machine is based on a conventional Steyr Expert. The assembly receives an internal combustion engine with direct hydrogen injection, identified by the acronym H₂ ICE. The development aims to provide continuous power comparable to the version used as a base. The project also seeks emission-free operation at the point of use, according to the proposal presented by the participants.
The transmission utilizes an eCVT power-sharing electrical architecture. VDS Holding GmbH developed this technology. The system transfers power to the wheels and integrates electrical components into the drivetrain. A high-voltage battery, developed by Voltfactory GmbH, can also supply electrical power to the implements.
The Hytrac follows another Steyr initiative using hydrogen. In July 2024, the company presented the FCTRAC, a fuel cell-powered tractor concept. The new project adopts a different technological approach. It employs internal combustion hydrogen and combines this engine with electrified transmission and integrated energy management.
The research also analyzes fuel production on the property. The concept considers sources already present in agricultural systems, including biomass from plant waste, wind energy, and photovoltaic generation. The energy produced can power the structure responsible for obtaining hydrogen and subsequently refueling the tractor.
The project includes fuel storage and compression. The strategy seeks to integrate energy production into the farm's operational routine. The goal is to provide greater energy independence for the producer, as well as reduce carbon emissions associated with mechanized operations.
An energy management system with artificial intelligence complements the infrastructure. The tool uses load profiles, usage data, and predictive control. The Energy Hub should adjust fuel production to the projected demand in agricultural operations. The research aims to evaluate the interaction between machinery, energy infrastructure, and farm routines under real-world conditions.
Johannes Konrad, assistant professor at the Institute of Powertrain and Automotive Technology at TU Wien, highlights the systemic approach of the project. According to him, the joint evaluation of the hydrogen-powered agricultural machine, the energy infrastructure, and agricultural operations will allow for an analysis of this technology's contribution to carbon reduction in agriculture.
According to Franz Josef Silber, head of global product marketing at Steyr, Hytrac aims to demonstrate hydrogen as part of a complete energy ecosystem on the farm. The proposal combines productivity, energy independence, and emissions reduction in a solution that can be scaled up for different agricultural operations.
The demonstration at Energy Hub Neusiedl will evaluate the Hytrac tractor and Combhy infrastructure as a single system. The project also aims to verify the possibility of scaling up the technology. Steyr reports that it has not yet released details about future scale-up or eventual mass production. This information is expected to appear at a later stage of development.
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