In the picturesque town of Küssnacht am Rigi, Switzerland, four sisters are revolutionizing agriculture and proving that family businesses can lead the charge toward a sustainable future. The Knüsel sisters—Theres Beutler-Knüsel, Edith Winter-Knüsel, Doris Knüsel, and Ruth Durrer-Knüsel—have achieved something remarkable: creating Europe's first mass-produced electric tractor.

"The development of the electric tractor was a long process with setbacks," admits Theres Beutler-Knüsel, the second-oldest sister and CEO of Rigitrac AG. But perseverance runs deep in this family. Ten years ago, Theres took over the company her father Sepp had started as a one-man operation in the 1970s. Today, alongside their mother Marlis, the four sisters have transformed it into a thriving enterprise with 45 employees.

The inspiration struck when the sisters noticed the abundance of solar panels on large steel roofs across Swiss farms. "We said to ourselves: It would be brilliant if the electricity could be used directly by the farms," Theres recalls warmly. That simple observation sparked a decade-long journey of innovation.

In 2018, partnering with the University of Dresden, they developed their first test vehicle. The challenges were immense. "When we started, many of the necessary components weren't even on the market yet," Theres explains. Undeterred, they worked closely with suppliers to develop custom parts, turning obstacles into opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Their persistence has paid off beautifully. The SKE 40, as their fully electric tractor is called, is now in serial production—a European first. The accomplishment caught the attention of Switzerland's Federal Office of Energy, which honored Rigitrac AG with the prestigious "Watt d'Or" award in the energy-efficient mobility category.

"It's a great recognition that shows us we're on the right path," says Theres, her pride evident. The award, celebrating exceptional achievements in energy, validates years of dedication and risk-taking.

The compact electric tractor has found enthusiastic customers across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Norway. Cities use it for snow removal and street cleaning, while farmers employ it in vegetable growing and vineyards. With a battery lasting six hours per charge, it's perfect for tasks requiring precision and sustainability.

The sisters aren't resting on their laurels. While the current SKE 40 isn't powerful enough for heavy-duty fieldwork like plowing, they're already developing a larger variant, expected to launch in two years.

Why It Matters: The Knüsel sisters' achievement demonstrates how family businesses can drive meaningful environmental change while creating jobs and economic opportunities. By enabling farms to use their own solar power directly, these tractors reduce both emissions and operating costs. Their success also challenges outdated notions about women in manufacturing and engineering, proving that innovation knows no gender boundaries. In an era demanding sustainable solutions, this Swiss family shows that determination, collaboration, and vision can turn ambitious dreams into reality that benefits communities across continents.