General Manager, 4e Consulting, a ZAPI GROUP company
Paolo Patroncini is the Managing Director of 4e Consulting, a ZAPI GROUP company. He holds a degree in engineering and a PhD in electrification. After a decade of experience in the development and design of internal combustion engines, he founded 4e Consulting in 2010, successfully completing various innovative projects in the non-road mobility sector. In 2022, the company became part of ZAPI GROUP, providing system integration services to some of the most prestigious OEMs in the industry. His leadership and technical expertise have been key in positioning the company as a leader in advanced mobility solutions.
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This work presents the design, development, and evaluation of a fully electrified, multi-functional agricultural rover tailored for greenhouse applications. Unlike conventional diesel-powered machines, this rover was conceived from the ground up to reduce CO₂ emissions and eliminate hydraulic systems, aiming to significantly improve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Key innovations include dual/triple electric PTOs, advanced electric steering modes ("crab" and "parallel"), and a modular architecture prepared for future autonomous driving integration.
The study compares the electrified rover against hypothetical diesel counterparts, highlighting reduced service intervals, lower operational costs, and improved energy efficiency, despite higher initial investment due to battery systems. Preliminary simulations and field trials suggest a TCO reduction of up to 25% over five years, with notable gains in maneuverability and task versatility.
This project demonstrates the potential of full-system electrification and intelligent integration in transforming agricultural machinery, particularly in controlled environments like greenhouses. The findings support a scalable model for sustainable mechanization in agriculture, paving the way for broader adoption of electric platforms.