New hybrid telehandler runs on methane, boosts battery work hours

New Holland has developed a hybrid telehandler designed for agricultural operations that combines a 70 kWh lithium-ion battery with a methane-fueled combustion engine as a range extender. This setup allows the machine to run primarily on electric power for quiet, low-emission operation during typical 4–6 hour farm cycles, while the methane engine activates during extended or intensive tasks such as harvest season, ensuring continuous 24-hour operation without downtime. The telehandler targets farms that produce their own biogas from manure and organic residues, leveraging this renewable, low-carbon fuel to reduce total cost of ownership compared to conventional diesel machinery. Early field tests demonstrate that the methane-electric hybrid telehandler can reduce energy consumption by up to 70% and improve overall performance, efficiency, and operating autonomy by 30% relative to comparable diesel models. The electric drivetrain offers benefits such as independent traction and attachment control, fewer moving parts, reduced vibration, and quieter operation, which enhances reliability and creates a more comfortable environment for operators and