GoSun Debuts Moonrider 27 Solar-Electric Compact Tractor
The Ohio-based company targets small farms and estates with a self-charging, 27 hp electric utility vehicle.
Cincinnati-based solar technology company GoSun has unveiled the Moonrider 27, an all-electric compact tractor designed for small farms, campuses, and large properties. The vehicle aims to bring sustainable power to agricultural maintenance by integrating solar charging directly into the machine's design.
Developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer Moonrider, the 4WD compact tractor delivers 27 horsepower. It is powered by a 24 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, which provides approximately five hours of runtime on a single charge. To extend this window, GoSun offers an optional 1.1 kW solar canopy capable of adding up to 1.5 hours of runtime on a sunny day. The tractor is priced at $19,995, with reservations currently open and deliveries expected to begin in early 2027.
Expanding the Solar Footprint
GoSun, which first gained recognition for its portable solar ovens and off-grid power solutions, is using the Moonrider 27 to pivot into the agricultural machinery sector. By partnering with Moonrider in India, the company is positioning itself to serve a specific niche of the North American market, specifically targeting vineyard owners, homesteaders, and estate managers who require versatile, small-scale equipment.
To ensure the tractor is a viable tool for actual farm work, GoSun has included several industry-standard technical specifications. The Moonrider 27 features a hydraulic 3-point hitch and a rear Power Take-Off (PTO), allowing it to operate a variety of standard implements. Additionally, the vehicle is rated with a hitch lift capacity of 750 kg, making it capable of handling the typical loads associated with compact utility work.
Solving the Rural Energy Gap
The introduction of the Moonrider 27 addresses a primary hurdle for the electrification of agriculture: energy density and infrastructure. Electric tractors have historically struggled in remote rural areas where charging infrastructure is sparse and the energy demands of heavy machinery are high. By integrating solar charging directly onto the vehicle, GoSun intends to reduce the operator's reliance on the electrical grid.
This approach potentially lowers long-term operating costs for small-scale farmers and makes electric equipment more practical for off-grid use. If successful, the model could prove that solar-integrated machinery is a viable alternative to diesel for light-to-medium duty agricultural tasks, reducing both carbon emissions and fuel expenditures for the end user.
Looking Ahead
As GoSun moves toward its 2027 delivery window, the industry will be watching to see how the LFP battery and solar canopy perform under real-world agricultural stress. While the technical specifications provide a baseline for capability, the true test will be whether the 1.1 kW canopy provides enough supplemental power to meaningfully offset the charging needs of a working farm. For now, the company remains focused on building its reservation list for the initial rollout.