Deere & Co. has bought a majority of shares of Kreisel Electric of Austria, a company that makes batteries for electrical vehicles.
Deere said this will help it vertically integrate vehicle and powertrain designs.
Kreisel was founded in 2014 by two brothers who developed a patented battery technology for high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs along with a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO).
Deere said it sees growing demand for batteries as the sole or hybrid propulsion system for off-highway vehicles such as its turf, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction and some road building equipment.
"Kreisel's battery technology can be applied across the broad portfolio of Deere products, and Kreisel's in-market experience will benefit Deere as we ramp up our battery-electric vehicle portfolio.
“Deere will provide the expertise, global footprint, and funding to enable Kreisel to continue its fast growth in core markets," said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president for John Deere Power Systems.
Deere said it sees a future that includes a zero emissions propulsion system.
