Rotimi's Life Cycle Analysis of a MET
- Amanda Orlovska
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Aftrak's MET was recently part of an exciting project for PhD Student and Aftrak researcher Rotimi, a cradle‑to‑grave Life Cycle Analysis of electric walk‑behind tractors. His project for the EnerHy Program (more about them below) evaluated batteries, motors, drivetrains, and chassis materials to quantify durability, efficiency, carbon footprint, and long‑term sustainability - with a focus on tools that serve smallholder farmers and local food producers.
Working alongside partners including Aftrak - as we develop one of the leading electric walk-behind tractor prototypes for use in rural communities - Rotimi identified environmental hotspots and opportunities for circularity, repairability, and improved energy performance, delivering evidence‑based design guidance for industry, researchers, and policymakers.
Hi, I’m Rotimi. I recently completed an Integrated Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham, where I focused on composite structures and powertrains. I joined the CDT program in October 2025 to carry out a Life Cycle Analysis on a micro-electric tractor being developed by Aftrak. The variability in how this compact product can be used really intrigued me, and I was keen to explore electric powertrains after studying structures and combustion systems during my degree. What excites me most about this project is the opportunity to make a tangible impact quickly – bringing sustainable engineering solutions to a product that can transform agricultural practices on a smaller scale.
What are Micro-Electric Tractors?
They are small, handheld mechanised farming machines that farmers guide from behind rather than sit on. They are used for tasks such as ploughing, tilling, and transporting loads, particularly on small plots of land. Electric models are an emerging alternative to small diesel tractors for smallholder farmers and local producers, but their sustainability must be assessed across the entire life cycle :from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use, maintenance, and end-of-life.
The Life-Cycle Analysis of Aftrak's MET
Rotimi's project conducted a cradle-to-grave analysis of Aftrak’s electric micro-tractor, examining systems such as the battery, motor, drivetrain, and chassis. The research evaluates environmental, economic, and social impacts, identifies hotspots, and highlights opportunities for circularity, repairability, and improved energy performance – providing evidence-based guidance to advance low-carbon small-scale mechanisation. To find out the details of this exciting journey, watch the video below.
EnerHy is the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focused on achieving Net Zero by making green hydrogen and wind energy more affordable, scalable, and sustainable.
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