Emergency One fire engines chosen to update Iraq’s fleet

Scottish business, Emergency One is delivering one of Iraq’s biggest-ever investments into its emergency services following a deal brokered by the UK government.

Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One has been selected to supply 31 of the vehicles, half the order for Iraq’s Civil Defence Directorate, and Yorkshire based Angloco is supplying the other half.

Issued by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, a c. $31 million loan allows Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 British-made fire-fighting vehicles.

The deal will facilitate the biggest overhaul of Iraqi fleet this century with each new vehicle, capable of carrying up to 6,500 litres of water and 500 litres of foam, on standby to help tackle frequent fires that break out in Iraq, especially in the summer, devastating businesses and communities.

Cumnock-based Emergency One, a UK manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles, supplies over 90% of the UK’s fire and rescue services and continues to grow its international presence.

In 2023-24, UKEF supported businesses in Scotland with £45 million in new government financing support, helping them win new contracts overseas. It has two regional representatives dedicated to supporting Scottish businesses.

Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill’s statement

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “This UK Government funding is bringing significant business to Ayrshire-based Emergency One, a leading supplier of fire and rescue vehicles.

“Deals like this, organised through the hard work of UKEF, are vital to boost our home-grown industries, support jobs and encourage growth for the benefit of the whole UK.

“I wish the company every success as they complete this contract that will make very important improvements to Iraq’s emergency services.”

By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.

Promoting investment into local businesses and employers, this partnership supports this government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth across all regions.

Emergency One, Managing Director, Steven Bell’s statement

Steven Bell, Managing Director at Emergency One, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of this significant project to modernise Iraq’s fire-fighting capabilities.

“The partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, supported by UK Export Finance, highlights the strength of British engineering and our commitment to delivering world-class fire and rescue vehicles.

“It’s an honour to contribute to the safety and resilience of communities across Iraq, and we look forward to continuing our support as part of this important collaboration.”

J.P Morgan, Global Head of Export Finance, John Meakin’s statement

J.P. Morgan acted as both Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and agent bank for the loan. Global Head of Export Finance at J.P Morgan, John Meakin said: “J.P. Morgan is delighted to support the finance of firefighting equipment from the UK to the Republic of Iraq.”

Powering Up: Emergency One gears up for Interschutz 2022

The UK’s largest manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles, Emergency One, is set to attend Interschutz in Hannover on 20-25 of June. The company’s Managing Director, Mike Madsen, says the team are will be showcasing its offer to new and old customers alike, gearing up to present not one but two new appliances at the show.

After a successful launch of the world’s first fully electric fire engine the E1 EV0 in 2020, Emergency One is set to introducing the newest E1 EV0 to the public at Interschutz. The new E1 EV0 is fully equipped with Alison eGen Power 100D electric axle, providing optimal performance without the emissions. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the E1 EV0 mark II operates on battery power for both drive and pump capabilities. An additional onboard smart charge allows the user to extend its driving range and pump duration if required.

The eGen Power 100D electric axle integrates two high-speed electric motors and a multi-speed transmission, eliminating the need for additional drive shafts and support structures, allowing it to fit neatly between the wheels and leaving critical space for battery storage. With continuous power of 536 horsepower (400 kilowatts) and peak output power of 738 horsepower (550 kilowatts), the eGen Power 100D is among the most powerful propulsion solutions in its class, with a design tuned for high gradeability and high-top speed without sacrificing efficiency.

This, says Madsen, ensures Emergency One’s fire and rescue trucks will continue to deliver on performance and reliability, fast acceleration, and manoeuvrability in an application where failure is not an option, and every second counts.

“We are proud that the Emergency One E1 EV0 (Electric Vehicle, Zero Emissions) is the World’s first all-electric pumping appliance fully certified to BS EN1846 standard,” says Madsen. “The EV0 exceeds the standard’s requirements for driving range and pumping performance at zero emissions, whilst the optional onboard smart charger provides resilience at protracted incidents.”

The latest generation of the EV0 was recently purchased by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as it pledged to move towards more sustainable practices. The EV0 as specified for SFRS carries the same inventory as a traditional pumping appliance, is one of the first of its kind in the UK and is the first to feature an all-electric rear drive axle installation.

SFRS has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint along with many fire services globally, which proves to be beneficial as it is estimated that an electric appliance will reduce emissions by 66% compared with a diesel appliance. For comparison, a diesel engine appliance will omit around 10.79KgCO2e over a typical distance of six miles whilst an equivalent electric powered appliance will omit 3.46KgCO2e over the same journey.

Making a Splash

Emergency one’s new E1-Manticore range of appliances will also be present at Interschutz and mark the vehicle range’s first public appearance. Designed and manufactured for airport and industrial use, the ARFF appliances are available in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 configurations, all of which are manufactured to meet the requirements of NFPA414 and the relevant ICAO standards for the vehicle size and type. The range comes with the option for a full High Reach Extendable Turret packaging in either 16m or 20m iterations and boasts the largest cab in its class.

The Scania DC16 power-plants propelling the vehicles ensure that the vehicle type is one of the fastest in its class and are available in several Euro Emissions Standards to meet our customers’ requirements globally. The E1 Manticore is also available with the E1 EV0 technology coupling it with the Scania DC16 power-plant in a hybrid parallel drive solution, producing over 1000bhp.

The 6×6 configuration is the most popular size and is armed with a 12,500 litre water tank, 1500 litre foam tank, an 8000 litre per minute water pump which feeds a 6000 lire per minute joystick controlled roof monitor as well as a 2000 litre per minute bumper monitor. The vehicle locker and can layouts are completely configurable to meet the end user’s requirements.

International expansion

Emergency One are the largest manufacturer of fire and rescue appliances in the UK and are now expanding further into international markets. Incorporating Clan Tools and Plant Ltd (who supply Fire and Rescue operational equipment), Madsen says that Emergency One Group prides itself in creating the best possible experience for customers, with each vehicle being tailored to suit individual needs and requirements.

As well as being able to supply electric and airport firefighting appliances, Emergency One also produce an extensive range of vehicles from light, medium and super tenders; aerials and turntable ladders, command and control and a variety of special builds.

Beyond fire and rescue appliances, with innovation at the heart of the business, Emergency One also has bespoke design technology solutions such as e1Fleet, ePumpcontrol, eCabControl and eCleanCab.

e1Fleet is the manufacturer’s optional data-logging which unit allows users to connect via the Internet to all e1fleet-enabled Fire appliances, showing the current position and operational status of the fire appliance in real-time.

ePumpControl features nine or 13 freely programmable back-lit function keys, where each switch can be allocated various functions, such as a pre-set pump pressure (either High or Low Pressure), PTO engagement, valve operation (or any other system control) etc. With one touch of a switch the pump can be operating (and regulating) at any given level.

eCabControl features nine freely programmable back-lit function keys. Each switch can be allocated various functions, including all E-1 controlled systems. Graphical display of all safety related functions.

And eCleanCab is the HEPA Filtration System which can be fitted into any crew cab with hassle free installation. Removing at least 99.97% of airborne particulates, the eCleanCab is the perfect solution to providing clean air.

Going global

Since the launch of the E1 EV0 back in October 2020, Emergency One has seen an increase in export sales, ranging from North America, Malta, New Zealand and most recently France. Recent developments include providing REV Fire Group with electrical vehicle solutions as their technology partners in order to help bring American style electric fire trucks into the market. REV Fire Group which consists of E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Fire Chassis, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal and Ladder Tower presented the first North American-style fully electric fire truck during the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis in April 2022. Madsen says this first vehicle marks the start of what will hopefully be a long term partnership, with many more builds to come.

Emergency One also recently secured an export contract for Electric Fire Appliances into Hérault Fire Service, France. Commenting on this news, Scottish Government Minister for Business Ivan McKee says: “Businesses such as Emergency One are using their expertise and ingenuity to unlock this potential. The new relationship with Hérault Fire Services has been secured against international competition and positions the company as a global leader in the sector. We congratulate Emergency One, wish it well and are delighted to support its efforts through the team at Scottish Enterprise.”

Madsen says: “Not only is the electric route safer for the environment but also the firefighters themselves and we are proud of the technology and progress to market of the E1 EV0 the world’s first fully electric fire appliance that highlights Scottish innovation.”

And on Interschutz he adds: “With the increase in natural disasters, political disagreements as a result of the Russian war against Ukraine and recovery from the corona virus pandemic, now more than ever it’s important for participants and attendees to come together and find solutions for the challenges of our time.”

Emergency One will be on stand R54 at the Interschutz trade fair in Hannover.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service commissions electric fire engine

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has commissioned its first electric powered fire engine after receiving around £500,000 of funding from Transport Scotland to roll the prototype into production.

The SFRS commissioned the E1 EVO from Emergency One in Ayreshire. The design and manufacturing of the appliance will fully comply with British Standards for firefighting and rescue service vehicles.

The prototype is due to be delivered to the SFRS later this year and is expected to go on the run with a crew early 2023.

It will have the same capability and equipment as a diesel model and it will be able to assist at emergencies with a range of approximately 220 miles from an 80% charge, and a range extender for pumping water at a prolonged incident as well as ensuring it can return to the fire station.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Stewart Nicholson said: “We are excited to commission our first electric powered appliance with support from Transport Scotland.

“This innovative project is the first step in a long journey to discover how we can potentially move away from fossil fuel powered appliances.

“The Service has set out its environmental goals and we are committed to reducing carbon emissions from our fleet.

“There are already more than 100 electric cars within our light fleet, however this is our first venture into low carbon heavy duty vehicles.”

Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth called the move ‘a really exciting, innovative development’: “I’m pleased to be funding it through our partnership with Scottish Enterprise which is supporting the decarbonisation of Heavy Duty Vehicles across Scotland.

“The public sector should be seen to lead the way on this type of work, which demonstrates that tough operational requirements for service vehicles, often working in challenging conditions, can indeed be met without the sole reliance of fossil fuels.

“I look forward to seeing the electric fire appliance deployed in communities as a beacon not only for the journey that the fire service is on – but for Scotland’s wider transition to a net zero society.”

The host station is still to be confirmed. Suitable locations for housing the charging infrastructure for the electric appliance are being scoped out.

Michael Madsen, Managing Director of Emergency One, said: “We are proud that the Emergency One E1 EV0™ (Electric Vehicle, Zero Emissions) is the world’s first all-electric pumping appliance fully certified to BS EN1846 standard.

“The EV0 exceeds the standard’s requirements for driving range and pumping performance at zero emissions, whilst the optional onboard smart charger provides resilience at protracted incidents.

“The EV0 as specified for SFRS carries the same inventory as a traditional pumping appliance, is one of the first of its kind in the UK, and the first to feature an innovative all-electric rear drive axle installation.

“Some of our staff who also work locally as retained firefighters have been able to work on this project and it’s great to get their practical operational insights throughout the design process.”

SFRS has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by six percent each year until 2030. This project is part of the long-term goal to be carbon neutral by 2045. It is estimated that an electric appliance will reduce emissions by 66% compared with a diesel appliance.

Head of low carbon transition at Scottish Enterprise Andy McDonald added: “Scottish Enterprise has worked with Transport Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service over a number of years through our Can Do innovation approach supporting collaboration with industry through the procurement process. It is fantastic to see the project come to fruition and the fire service begin the journey towards the development and deployment of its first electric fire appliance.

“Emergency One is manufacturing this in Scotland and Scottish Enterprise has also supported this innovative company to develop its world leading technology. Our vision is to help more public sector fleet owners to develop similar approaches as the decarbonisation of heavy duty vehicles is a key area of focus for Scottish Enterprise as we work to deliver a net zero economy.”

Emergency One wins Hérault Fire Service contract

Emergency One UK Ltd has secured a contract with Hérault Fire Service to supply its innovative electric fire appliances and further the net zero goals for the French fire service.

Scottish Government Minister for Business Ivan McKee met with Emergency One, representatives from Hérault Fire Service and French government officials to mark the key export contract as part of a visit to France on 16 May.

The company, based in Cumnock, Scotland, is the UK’s largest manufacturer of fire and rescue appliances and recently launched the E1 EV0 – the world’s first fully electric fire appliance in October 2020.

Scottish Government Minister for Business Ivan McKee said: “The Scottish Government’s drive towards Net Zero emissions is not just an environmental imperative, it opens new markets and creates economic opportunities.

“Businesses such as Emergency One are using their expertise and ingenuity to unlock this potential. The new relationship with Hérault Fire Services has been secured against international competition and positions the company as a global leader in the sector.

“We congratulate Emergency One, wish it well and are delighted to support its efforts through the team at Scottish Enterprise.”

Mike Madsen, Managing Director of Emergency One said: “The development of zero emission fire and rescue vehicles is business critical in a green thinking economy and we are proud to be working with a leading French Fire and Rescue Service to put the first electric fire appliance into service on the European mainland.

“Not only is the electric route safer for the environment but also the firefighters themselves and we are proud of the technology and progress to market of the E1 EV0 the world’s first fully electric fire appliance that highlights Scottish innovation.”

Emergency One launches the E1 Ev0, the world’s first fully electric fire engine

Emergency One has announced the immediate availability of The E1 Ev0, enabling customers to place orders and enquire about the product.

“We are excited to unveil our E1 Ev0 – the world’s first all-electric Pumping Appliance and our innovative contribution towards a low-carbon economy. We look forward to seeing the reaction from our customer base and the wider public,” said Mike Madsen, Managing Director at Emergency One Group Limited.

Positive customer impact

Designed with the protection of fire fighters and the environment in mind, Emergency One has exceeded expectations by delivering a world first of its kind.

However, with zero emissions comes zero compromise in terms of innovation and safety. Not only does the E1 Ev0 produce zero emissions for a positive impact on the environment but customers will benefit from a range of improved safety features including clean cab filtration systems that addresses the health issue of residual particulates. The development of a product that plays such a pivotal role in public safety was a sizeable task, but as a manufacturer of emergency service vehicles, it was a task that was necessary.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “Alongside our ambition to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, we have set out ambitious targets for the Scottish Public Sector to decarbonise their vehicle fleets. It’s great to see Emergency One innovating to bring a cutting edge zero emission fire appliance to the market, manufactured here in Scotland. 

“I look forward to seeing further innovations in the zero-emission marketplace as we work towards our net-zero targets and air quality objectives.”

Linda Hanna, Managing Director at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “Emergency One is a fantastic example of a Scottish manufacturer with export ambitions. We want to inspire more businesses to explore innovation, sustainability and exporting because we know this will help both their business recovery and Scotland’s green economic recovery. Scottish Enterprise is proud to have worked with this company over many years and to have supported this project to create the world’s first net-zero fire engine built in Cumnock, that will not only save lives in the role it will serve but also contribute to Scotland’s wider low carbon targets.”

The E1 Ev0

The E1 Ev0 has been developed due to the increased concern of the effects that carbon and other emissions, have on the planet and our health. The use of fire appliances is an essential tool in keeping the public safe, hence the importance placed on reducing the environmental impact of these vehicles. The result of this product shows Emergency One’s continued commitment to deliver the latest in product development and the desire to protect future generations in more ways than just one.

The E1 Ev0 is not a concept vehicle but a fully functioning frontline protection, prevention and intervention tool.

To receive more information on the E1 Ev0, visit e1group.co.uk or contact info@emergencyone.co.uk