Vienna biogas-tractor for Brazil

CH4PA (pronounced “Chapa”) – with this name, the Vienna SME Spirit Design is presenting a completely new concept: a work vehicle run on biomethane, which was designed for agricultural use in developing countries. The key feature: the innovative fuel can be produced cheaply and in a climate-friendly way from waste products. The Austrian innovation should soon be in use in Brazil. The project goes into its implementation phase in 2016, jointly with a local manufacturer; series production is planned starting in 2017. 

The name reflects the aim: on the one hand, CH4PA is derived from the Brazilian Portuguese word for “buddy” or “mate”, and on the other hand, CH4 is the chemical symbol for the fuel in the tank – methane gas. It is exclusively extracted by the processing of waste materials such as liquid manure, meat offal and biodegradable waste. Based around the compact tractor, an all-round integrated mobility solution is to be developed in the future – from processing to storage and transport right down to dedicated gas filling stations. The project is being supported by the renowned truck manufacturer Scania, which has converted an accompanying and associated fleet of vehicles (e.g. for transport of animals) to run on biomethane.  

The prototype of the CH4PA has a top speed of 60 km per hour, can manage inclines up to 70 percent and transport loads of 1,500 kilogrammes. The storage space provides the scope for different transport and working models; in addition, there is a three-point linkage for all kinds of agricultural devices.

The compact tractor is to be manufactured in Brazil with the local manufacturer Agrale. In 2016, production will be started in two pilot regions. To aid this, the smaller participating companies will be provided with a biogas facility; larger companies will be equipped with a stationary plant for biomethane processing. The farmers sell their biogas to Atmove, who will process it into fuel and – at a lower market price than diesel or natural gas – will sell it back to the farmers.   

Services provided by the Vienna Business Agency

Supported in the programmes:

• Smart Vienna 2012
• Innovation 2013
• Export 2009
• Internationalization Focus 2014
• Co-operation 2008
• Export 2005

Company:

Spirit Design – Innovation and Brand GmbH
Hasnerstraße 123
1160 Vienna