Future-oriented development of agricultural tractor engines: efficiency, modularity and powertrain electrification

The study analyses trends in the development of agricultural tractor engines in the context of technological and environmental transformation between 2015 and 2024, with forecasts up to 2035. Based on catalog data of over 150 tractor models and technical documentation from major manufacturers, changes in displacement, cylinder number, and specific power were evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify and quantitatively assess the key technological shifts in agricultural tractor engine design between 2015 and 2024, and to forecast their development pathways and potential impact on energy efficiency and sustainability up to 2035. The results indicate a continued transition from conventional downsizing to the rightsizing concept, with a simultaneous increase in average engine power by approximately 25% and a 10% reduction in displacement. Modular engine platforms have become dominant, enabling flexible configuration of four- and six-cylinder units and improving design unification. In the high-power segment, a renaissance of large-displacement engines optimized for low-speed efficiency was observed. Hybridization and electrification of powertrains are expected to increase their share to approximately 15% and 8%, respectively, by 2035, leading to a potential 10–20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The implementation of Smart Engine Management systems and advanced thermal control strategies contributes to improving thermal efficiency to approximately 43–45%. The obtained results provide a comprehensive overview of current and future engine development trends and may support decision-making processes related to sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural machinery design.