India has launched a standard test code for electric agricultural tractors.

The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Prahlad Joshi has introduced the new Indian Standard IS 19262:2025 “Electric Agricultural Tractors - Test Code” specifically on National Consumer Day 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

This standard has been made by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in order to provide meticulous testing procedures for the upcoming electric agricultural tractors. IS 19262:2025 is basically a list of general requirements, and test methods for evaluating agricultural tractors and their potential applications. 

It further includes power take-off (PTO) power, drawbar power, belt and pulley performance, vibration analysis, technical specifications, and verification of components and assemblies. 

The standard has been developed on the foundation of IS 5994:2022 - “Agricultural Tractors - Test Code” which is as per Automotive industry standards applied to electric vehicles, specifically catered for agricultural use. Thus implementation of the standard through these testing agencies will ensure quality assessment of electric agricultural tractors specifically made for commercial use. 

Electric Agricultural Tractors 

The electric agricultural tractors derive power from electric motors integrated with the battery systems instead of ICE engines. Constant innovations in battery technology, electric motors, and power electronics have evolved the electric agricultural industry. 

One of the major advantages of electric tractors is that they do not generate carbon emissions during operations and have fewer mechanical components than conventional diesel powered tractors. 

This prime advantage may reduce the operational and maintenance costs associated with diesel tractors and reduce the dependence of diesel consumption in agricultural activities. 

However, prior to the implementation of this standard, there were certain challenges in assessment of electric tractors performance and reliability. 

This new standard was suggested by the Mechanization & Technology Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. However, it was BIS who came forward with the development of a quality Indian Standard specifically for electric agricultural tractors.