FARMING WITH ELECTRIC
The World's First 100% Electric, Zero Fossil Fuel Orchard.
Our 6-hectare cherry orchard runs entirely without fossil fuels, powered by solar energy and New Zealand's renewable electricity grid. By replacing 20 fossil fuel machines with electric alternatives, we've reduced emissions and lowered operating costs.
OUR SOLAR SETUP
150kW
Total solar capacity
300kWh
Battery capacity
150MWh
Est. annual generation
~100MWh
Annual energy usage
HOW WE MAKE IT WORK
The Electric Machines
Monarch Tractor
Our electric tractor does the heavy lifting — towing, spraying, mulching, and more without a single drop of diesel. And best of all… $2 an hour to run!
Frost Fighting Fans
Keep our cherries protected from the cold Central Otago weather which can get as cold as -4 degrees.
Golf Carts
Our electric golf carts keep the team moving during harvest, helping us zip between rows and carry tools.
Forklift
A key player during harvest, our electric forklift helps us shift crates of cherries as they're prepped for delivery.
Power Tools
Our range of electric tools keep orchard maintenance quick, quiet, and all electric.
Irrigation Pumps
Fully electric irrigation pumps, used for frost fighting and for keeping our trees watered.
Lawnmower
Our electric ride-on mower keeps the grass around the orchard neat and tidy.
Electric Hilux
Destined for the scrap, we gave this Kiwi ute a second life by converting it with a 2014 Nissan Leaf motor & battery.
Battery Room
Our battery room holds 300kWh of storage from our solar array. Mike has written an algorithm to sell power back to the grid.
Shed Solar (130kW)
Our solar panels generate up to 80% of our electric usage.
Cars
We have a range of electric cars that we use to drive around locally, as well as our nationwide trips.
Sprayer
Our custom 1500e01 foliage sprayer runs off the back of our Monarch tractor via an electric PTO.
SOLAR + GRID
How we Power the Farm
Our 150kW solar array supplies around 80% of our orchard's annual power needs, with the rest coming from New Zealand's renewable electricity grid. It's a glimpse of how farms can become self-powered and generate new revenue through renewable energy.
REAL TIME DATA
See the Numbers Live
We want to show other farmers across the world that choosing to electrify is not only great for the planet but also great for your bottom line.
Real time data powered by Blackcurrent.
CERTIFIED FOSSIL FUEL FREE
NZ0 Certification
Electric Cherries is the first electric orchard to earn NZ0 Certification, recognising our commitment to eliminating fossil fuels. Regular independent audits ensure we meet the certification's high standards.