Electric Mobility in Agriculture: A Sustainable Solution for Farm-to-Market Transportation

This article presents a comprehensive critical analysis of the potential for electric mobility to serve as a sustainable solution for farm-to-market transportation in the agriculture sector. Drawing on a systematic review of secondary data, including academic literature, government and NGO reports, and documented case studies, the study evaluates the environmental, economic, and operational impacts of adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in agricultural logistics. The findings demonstrate that the transition to electric mobility, particularly when powered by renewable energy sources, can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel vehicles. This substantial reduction is attributed to the elimination of tailpipe emissions and the use of clean energy for recharging, directly contributing to improved air quality and the health of rural communities. Economically, electric tractors and vehicles offer significant cost savings, with operational costs including fuel and maintenance reduced by 40% to 60%. Although the initial investment in electric vehicles is higher than traditional options, the lower running costs allow for a payback period of four to seven years, making EVs a cost-effective alternative over time, especially in regions with favourable electricity prices and high vehicle utilisation. Operationally, EVs have proven reliable for short- to medium distance farm-to-market transport, with pilot projects in countries such as India and Canada confirming their suitability for typical agricultural tasks. However, the widespread adoption of electric mobility in rural areas faces persistent barriers, notably high upfront costs and inadequate charging infrastructure. Many rural regions lack reliable electricity and charging stations, which limits scalability and practical implementation. To address these challenges, policy recommendations include targeted subsidies and incentives, investment in renewable energy-based charging infrastructure, and capacity building programs for farmers. These interventions are essential to unlock the full potential of electric mobility in agriculture, catalysing sustainability and resilience in food supply chains. Ultimately, the article argues that with appropriate policy support and infrastructure development, electric mobility can play a transformative role in decarbonising agricultural logistics and advancing broader climate action goals