I found a thorough and fascinating discussion by Jim Coate on the electric tractor. I thought the electric tractor might not be feasible because of horsepower, but from Jim’s article — from 2003 — apparently that’s not the case:
The larger electric machines, with 10-15 horsepower motors can rival the power of a small cultivating tractor and be used for a variety of agricultural purposes. They are generally limited more by traction and ground clearance than by strength (www.econogics.com/ev/evtools.htm).
Electric tractors don’t seem to be getting much attention lately — this is probably due to their relatively small customer base when compared to electric vehicles for general consumers. However, electric tractors have the potential to add a lot of value for the farmers. In a commodity market, there are few, if any ways of differentiating your product. One way for farmers to command a small premium for their crops could be to tout their farming methods as carbon-neutral, if located close enough to their customer base. This may be a big incentive for farmers to go electric for farm equipment and put themselves toward the top of the organic food market.
