Caterpillar’s D7E Diesel-Electic Hybrid Tractor is an Earth Friendlier Earth Mover

$Caterpillar\'s new D7E tractor matches diesel-electric hybrid power with high maneuverability.$

As a construction industry giant, Caterpillar is best known for moving earth, and now the company seems ready to move the entire off-road vehicle and equipment sector into more sustainable technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and cuts reliance on fossil fuels.

With its new D7E tractor, Caterpillar is out to demonstrate that a diesel-electric hybrid tractor can save fuel and beat the performance of diesel-only equipment. If it proves a successful mix of energy-efficient power and maneuverability, the D7E could inspire other manufacturers to adopt hybrid technology for a wide range of offroad vehicles and equipment, including smaller engines that account of a significant chunk of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., such lawn mowers and ATV’s.