Deere & Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire majority ownership in Kreisel Electric, Inc, a battery technology provider based in Rainbach im Mühlkreis, Austria.

Kreisel develops high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs. Additionally, Kreisel has developed a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO) that utilises this patented battery technology. 

Since 2014, Kreisel has focused on the development of immersion-cooled electric battery modules and packs for high-performance and off-highway applications. The company is described by Deere as having " . .a differentiated battery technology and battery-buffered charging infrastructure offering." Kreisel serves customers in markets including commercial vehicles, off-highway vehicles, marine, e-motorsports, and other high-performance applications. 

John Deere say they see demand growing for batteries as a sole or hybrid-propulsion system for vehicles. Products in Deere’s portfolio such as turf equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction, and road-building equipment could rely solely on batteries as a primary power source. Deere say their intention is to continue to invest in and develop technologies and work towards a future with zero emissions propulsion systems.

The majority investment in Kreisel Electric will allow Deere to vertically integrate vehicle and powertrain designs around high-density battery packs while using Kreisel’s charging technology to build the infrastructure required by customers. 

Pierre Guyot, senior vice president, John Deere Power Systems said, “Kreisel’s battery technology can be applied across the broad portfolio of Deere products, and Kreisel’s in-market experience will benefit Deere as it ramps up its battery-electric vehicle portfolio. Deere will provide the expertise, global footprint, and funding to enable Kreisel to continue its fast growth in core markets.

“This is an opportunity to invest in a company with unique technology that’s designed for the demanding conditions where Deere customers work.

“Furthermore, building an electrified portfolio is key to John Deere’s sustainability goal of pursuing new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of new products and work toward zero emissions propulsion systems on equipment, while increasing our customers’ efficiency and productivity."

Kreisel Electric will retain its employees, brand name, and trademark, and continue to operate from its current location in Austria to serve its customer base. The company was founded by the brothers Johann, Markus and Philipp Kreisel and has approximately 160 full-time employees. 

“The Kreisel team looks forward to expanding our base business, leveraging the Deere channel to accelerate adoption of battery-electric vehicles and charging stations, and working with Deere’s vehicle design teams on product advancements,” said Markus Kreisel, who serves as managing director, along with his two brothers, at Kreisel Electric. 

The transaction requires final regulatory approval in Austria, with closing expected to take place in approximately 60 days. Financial details are not being disclosed.