Kubota unveils autonomous hydrogen tractor at Expo 2025 Osaka
Kubota has taken the wraps off an autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor, giving the concept its world debut at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
The machine, shown as part of the “Hydrogen Energy Park!!” exhibition (exclamation marks included), pairs a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell with compressed hydrogen storage and produces power equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel.
A new kind of workhorse
Kubota says the concept is designed to solve two problems at once: emissions and labour. Like its diesel counterpart, it’s big enough for as much heavy lifting as you can achieve with 100 horses, but it runs on hydrogen and can operate either remotely or entirely on its own.
The company points to Japan’s ageing farm workforce and shrinking pool of operators as the backdrop for the tractor’s autonomous functions.
Why not just stick with batteries?
The firm argues that while small electric tractors are already appearing, scaling that up to 100-hp machines means some serious compromises.
Larger battery packs bring extra weight and long charging times. Kubota says hydrogen fuel cells offer a better fit, thanks to higher energy density and quicker refuelling.
That logic isn’t unique to Osaka, with German tractor firm, Fendt, already running prototypes under Germany’s H2Agrar project, and STEYR with TU Wien are working on the FCTRAC programme, pairing a Ballard fuel cell with on-farm hydrogen production.
Specs and trials
Kubota lists the prototype at 4.38 metres long, 2.2 wide and 2.29 tall. Field trials in Japan are planned to test unmanned operation, fuelling methods and whether the machine can match diesel tractors for reliability.
This isn’t Kubota’s only hydrogen project, with the company having also developed a 3.8-litre hydrogen internal combustion engine for off-road machinery, and says it expects both fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion to play a role, depending on the job.
Still a lot to prove
Hydrogen supply remains the sticking point, however Japan is one of the world leaders in developing a domestic refuelling network.
Kubota hasn’t given a production date, and let’s be honest, this probably won’t ever make it that far, but the company says the next step is demonstration in real farm conditions.
Thankfully, Japan is one of the places in the world where you can test an autonomous tractor, without the risk of your GPS being nicked off whilst on your tea break.
