Nörvenich volunteer fire department orders electric fire engine from Rosenbauer

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The municipality of Nörvenich in North Rhine-Westphalia has ordered a Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) for its volunteer fire department, joining the ranks of customers such as the Berlin Fire Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Dubai Civil Defence.

The purchase contract was signed on June 20 at the world’s leading trade fair, INTERSCHUTZ, and the vehicle will be delivered by the end of June 2023.

“The RT is leading fire departments into the age of electric mobility in a sustainable way,” said Andreas Zeller, Sales Director of Rosenbauer International AG, “and we are seeing more and more emergency response organizations around the world expressing an interest in this vehicle.

“We are particularly pleased that Nörvenich as a volunteer fire department in Germany to opt for an RT, and this confirms the trend. We estimate that by 2025, there will already be 700 to 800 vehicles with alternative drives operational in Europe. The RT is setting the technological benchmark, as it is certainly the most mature and well-conceived solution and much more than just an electrified fire-fighting vehicle.”

Oliver Hartlieb, chief of the Nörvenich volunteer fire department, said he is particularly delighted with the RT’s cab concept: “The conference seating arrangement makes it much easier for the emergency crews to communicate.”

He was also won over by the functionality of the air-suspended chassis, which allows the RT to be lowered at the operational site: “This makes it much easier to access the equipment stored in the superstructure.”

“With the RT, our volunteer fire department, which is divided into nine firefighting units and covers 14 towns over an area of 66 km2, is getting much more than a fire truck with an alternative form of propulsion,” added Timo Czech, mayor of the municipality of Nörvenich.

“We are getting state-of-the-art technology that is ahead of its time in many ways. This helps us to build up our own experience at an early stage, both with regard to the drive and the many new solutions on the vehicle, which will be helpful to us in future purchases and concepts.

“I am also pleased that our fire department appreciates the fact that they are now trailblazers as well. I thank our municipal council and the fire chief, who have supported my proposal for the purchase of this vehicle from the very beginning. Thanks to public subsidies, the procurement has also become financially viable for the municipality of Nörvenich.”

Brazilian fire service welcomes Magirus FireBull to its fleet

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The Brazilian state of Ceará has received its first FireBull from Magirus. A delegation with high-ranking representatives of the Governor, the fire brigades and partners were guests at the Magirus Experience Center in Ulm for the technical acceptance and handover of the world’s first tracked fire engine as well as a MultiStar combination vehicle and several portable fire pumps.

The FireBull tracked fire engine from Magirus combines the AirCore extinguishing technology, flexible set-up options and the extremely all-terrain PowerBully chassis from Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG to form a globally unique, versatile special fire-fighting vehicle. The AirCore water mist technology enables efficient fire-fighting with high penetration depths and throwing distances of up to 80 metres, but also an excellent cooling effect with minimal water consumption.

The FireBull can transport high volumes of extinguishing agent (9,000 litres of water, 2,000 litres of foam) with a minimum ground pressure of 0.300 kilograms per square centimetre at a permissible total weight of 30 tonnes, an central advantage in impassable and difficult-to-access terrain.

In the future, the FireBull will be used in the region around Porto do Pecém. In addition to being called out for use in vegetation fires or operations in the nearby reserve and protected area, the region has a large port, beaches and numerous large industrial operations ranging from recycling plants to steel production, some of which have difficult-to-access terrain.

Carlos Décimo de Souza from the Secretariat for Research, Technology and Education of the Governor of Ceará expressed his thanks for the very good, trusting and cooperative partnership: “We are thrilled to be able to take delivery of these state-of-the-art Magirus vehicles here in Ulm.

“With the consistent renewal and constant expansion with innovative, unique deployment technology such as extinguishing robots and powerful special vehicles such as the Magirus FireBull, we want to ensure that our emergency forces can make a sustainable contribution to the protection of people, material and companies in our region and are themselves always protected in the best possible way.”

IFSJ Exclusive: E-Mobility for Fire Services

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Rosenbauer points the way to the future of firefighting vehicles with the its Revolutionary Technology

After going on display at the Emergency Service Show in September 2021 in Birmingham and being tested on the streets of Berlin, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Los Angeles, firefighting vehicle and equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer’s Revolutionary Technology (RT) is among those setting new standards in the fire service industry.

With the RT, Rosenbauer has taken aim at reinventing and redesigning the entire firefighting vehicle with a design that emphasises safety and ergonomics in all respects, boasts a chassis that gives the RT driving characteristics that are more reminiscent of a car than a truck, and provides fire departments with the necessary everyday connectivity to the digital world for the future.

Stable driving

One of the most striking features of the RT is its driving dynamics. Two electric motors with a total output of 2 x 180 kW (peak) or 2 x 130 kW (continuous) drive all four wheels and generate propulsion is a first for emergency vehicles weighing 16 to 18 tons. Its two-speed gearbox ensures that the full torque is available even when starting off on hills, and that there is enough traction for steep gradients.

Due to its compact dimensions (width: 2.35 m) and unique architecture, the driving behaviour of the RT is designed to be more stable than that of firefighting vehicles with a classic body module. Its low-floor chassis has a core tube frame in which one of the two high-voltage batteries is installed, which results in a much lower centre of gravity compared to firefighting vehicles built on truck chassis.

Independent wheel suspension and switchable rear-axle steering are also in place to ensure agility and manoeuvrability, which Rosenbauer says is particularly noticeable when overtaking flowing traffic, in fast bends with a tight curve radius, and when driving on narrow streets. The vehicle also features an air-sprung chassis to allow the driving level to be adjusted to the terrain and the vehicle to be lowered on scene in order to allow unhindered access to the crew cab.

Wireless control point

As you might expect for an electric vehicle, the RT is extensively digitalised. The cockpit offers a command post where all functions from lighting to extinguishing technology can be controlled via a 17″ display centrally installed in the console. Several functions can be activated simultaneously at the push of a button, and the RT can, for example, be switched to ‘ready to start’ or ‘ready to take off’.

A self-contained secure W-LAN network can, for example, be used for wireless control of robots, drones, and other electrical equipment, ensuring networking at the site of deployment, and thanks to the Rosenbauer Connected Fleet Vehicle Management System, the vehicle position, operation and condition can be checked at any time.

Command centre

The soundproofed and air condition cabin’s layout and seating arrangement are designed so that the RT can act as a localised operations centre. The cockpit and crew compartment form a single unit and are fully accessible from end to end. The driver’s and commander’s seats can be turned inward by 90° and the crew seats are situated against the sides of the vehicle and on the rear wall of the cabin, creating a meeting room layout in the cabin for briefings. All relevant data can be shown on the cockpit display, which is visible from all seats.

Mobile power plant

Ensuring firefighting teams are never left without power, the RT is equipped with one or optionally two high-voltage battery storage units, each with a capacity of 66 kWh which feed the traction drive and provide the energy to operate the pump and other consumers at the drafting point. External devices, such as fans or submersible pumps, with a total power consumption of up to 18 kW can be operated simultaneously via the power outlet.

In addition, the RT is equipped with a range extender in the form of a diesel engine with power generator with an output of 225 kW as standard installed in the body to save space. This essentially turns the vehicle into an integrated power plant that automatically recharges the high-voltage batteries when more energy is consumed than stored in them.

At 132 kWh, the battery storage of the RT is sufficient to be able to carry out over 90% of all standard operations purely electrically without the need to recharge, according to the initial experiences of the fire departments which have been testing the vehicle. Whilst using the range extender, the vehicle can see operating times higher than the specifications of EN 1846 can achieve.

Low emissions

According to the Berlin fire department, each electrically powered vehicle would save about 14 tons of CO2 per year compared to a diesel-powered firefighting and rescue vehicle. In addition, recuperation via the electric motors reduces brake wear and also fine dust particles. Exhaust emissions and noise levels are also reduced to a minimum because the energy for lighting and technical equipment comes from the high-voltage batteries, improving the working conditions around the vehicle and reducing the stress levels of the emergency crews.

The future of firefighting

Will fire departments operate fully electrically in the near future? Rosenbauer believes that the answer is yes. The RT has been touring Europe, the US and Canada, as well as parts of Asia over the past two years and has been met with great interest everywhere. Especially in large cities, fire departments have been seen to express a desire to use e-vehicles to help achieve their cities’ ambitious climate targets.

The RT is designed to present a more economic option for firefighting vehicles, not only because of the lower energy costs, but also because 30% fewer parts than conventional vehicles are installed meaning the maintenance effort is reduced. Rosenbauer estimates that around 3,200 e-vehicles will be in use worldwide by 2030, and 700 to 800 could be on the road in Europe by 2025.

Another important future-relevant aspect: The digital vehicle concept of the RT offers the opportunity to network fire departments with one another and with other emergency response organisations using its direct access to Smart City data from the vehicle, enabling firefighters the ability to better plan and carry out operations.

In the future, fire departments will be able to link into traffic control systems and control traffic lights online in order to ensure the fast arrival of emergency vehicles or to block entire sections of the road and will likely use car-to-car communication to warn vehicles up ahead and send traffic jam reports or alternative route suggestions to the vehicles behind. At the same time they will acquire much of the information and data relevant to the operation during the journey from smart buildings and smart traffic lights to smartphones, cameras, sensors, and measuring stations.

During an operation, fire departments will be able to directly access building control systems, guide emergency crews using indoor navigation and remotely monitor their vital signs. Moreover, they will communicate with each other via their own secure networks and use all available information not only during the current operation but also for preventive fire protection for escape route planning or for simulator use.

Complete e-line-up

At Interschutz, the world’s leading trade fair which will be held from June 20 to 25 in Hannover, Germany, Rosenbauer will be among those opening up the next chapter in electric mobility for fire departments. In addition to the RT, a complete line-up of electric firefighting vehicles will be on display, from logistics vehicles to aerial ladders.

Alongside these, a newly developed extinguishing system will be exhibited, which can be used to quickly and reliably extinguish high-voltage batteries in electric cars. In addition, Rosenbauer will demonstrate its expertise in the areas of alternative fuels, autonomous energy systems and equipping fire stations for e-vehicles (charging infrastructure, photovoltaics, etc.).

Andreas Zeller, CSO of Rosenbauer International, adds: “Already in 2012, we outlined the vision of what the future of fire departments would look like in a digitalised and increasingly networked world, and we defined our investment strategy based on this. The most important conclusion for us from this was that the RT is the firefighting vehicle of the future. After all, vehicles are a part of Rosenbauer’s DNA.”

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

Ziegler to field test Z6 Hybrid at Frankfurt Airport

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International supplier of vehicles for firefighting, civil protection and the police, ZIEGLER, is set to put its new aircraft firefighting vehicle Z6 Hybrid through its paces with a prototype field test of the vehicle at Frankfurt Airport FRAPORT from 2023.

ZIEGLER has more than 50 years of experience in the production of aircraft firefighting and rescue vehicles and has since now delivered more than 300 Z-Class of different types to national and international airports. Most recently, ZIEGLER introduced the new Z-Class in 2020 as part of the Innovation Rollout.

The new Z6 Hybrid can be driven in three different ways: Exclusively with electric motor, conventionally
with combustion engine (diesel) or with Hybrid Drive Technology. In the latter, the electric motor and
combustion engine work hand in hand in an intelligent network, meaning the Z6 Hybrid is usually powered purely electrically at airports. Depending on the driving profile, a corresponding range even allows over 80% of the journeys to be made electrically.

For situations where every second counts, the Z6 Hybrid’s electric motor and combustion engine accelerate the 39 ton vehicle, to its top speed with values are on a par with an 8×8 chassis with diesel drive.

If the battery is empty and has has to be charged, the full drive power of the diesel engine of a conventional Z6 is available. In contrast to the market, ZIEGLER does not follow the downsizing trend here and thus ensures full and long-lasting reliability for the operation and so if the power of the electric motor is unavailable, all normative requirements are still met.

ZIEGLER has solved the challenge of developing the world’s best alternative drive concept for aircraft firefighting and rescue vehicles. It combines aspects of sustainability, is faster than any comparable product and ensures the usual reliable operation. Thanks to its modularity, the hybrid concept can also be extended to other types of the Z-Class.

The Frankfurt Airport field test will among other things involve testing the operational suitability of the electric drive train and the recording of a wide range of measurement data to optimize the operating concept.

Oshkosh Corporation Acquires Maxi-Métal Inc

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Oshkosh Corporation, an innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment and owner of Pierce Manufacturing, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Maxi-Métal Inc. of Saint-Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Canada.

Maxi-Métal is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom fire apparatus and utility vehicles in the Canadian market and will be part of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency segment. It has served fire and emergency professionals since 1983 and is a premier fire apparatus manufacturer in Canada. MAXIMETAL will maintain its name, team members, facilities, and branding elements.

John C. Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Maxi-Métal is an organization known for quality, reliability, and an overriding focus on customer service and support. Their culture and customer focus align exceptionally well with Oshkosh, Pierce Manufacturing and its dealer network.”

“This acquisition will enhance the combined strengths of Pierce and MAXIMETAL by broadening collaboration and expanding sales and distribution capabilities within Pierce’s North American dealer network,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice president and Fire & Emergency segment President. “Oshkosh expects to benefit from MAXIMETAL’s experience and leadership as the company grows its combined presence in the Canadian market.”

Lord Greenhalgh thanks fire industry for Ukraine convoy

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Lord Greenhalgh, the Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire at the Department for Levelling Up, Communities & Housing and Home Office, has expressed his gratitude to the fire industry for their commitment and time in providing the 22 vehicle convoy to Ukraine in a letter to the Fire Industry Association

FIA CEO Ian Moore has received a letter from Lord Greenhalgh, thanking the fire industry for their commitment to providing much-needed fire and rescue equipment to Ukraine after the industry sent a the largest ever single donation of fire and rescue equipment from the UK. 

The Minister stated “The success of the convoy in delivering sorely needed equipment exemplifies what can be achieved when fire and rescue services, the charity and industry sectors, and government work together – and is a testament to your commitment and dedication.”

Lord Greenhalgh continued: “I have been particularly impressed by the scale of the collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders; not only between the fire and rescue services, FireAid and the industry sector, but also the NFCC, the National Resilience Assurance Team in Merseyside, which co-ordinated the activities of the services, UK ISAR and officials in Cabinet Office and Border Force who worked so hard to speed up the administrative processes.”

He concluded “I would also like to pay homage to the fire and rescue services generally for their generosity in donating this quantity of equipment in support of their fire and rescue colleagues in Ukraine.

“I hope you all take pride in what you have achieved in making this convoy happen in support of the Ukrainian fire and rescue services and the Ukrainian people.”

Powering Up: Emergency One gears up for Interschutz 2022

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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.

Vintage fire engine parade to close INTERSHUTZ

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On the final day of INTERSCHUTZ 2022, around vintage 50 fire engines will drive through Hanover in a long procession, closing out the week-long conference. Together, the vehicles have around 2,000 years or more under their belt.

This convoy will make its way from INTERSCHUTZ to downtown Hannover in the morning and, after a stop in front of the New Town Hall, back to the exhibition ground, tying into the 29th German Firefighters’ Day.

But not only vehicles from yesterday and the day before yesterday are on the road: The oldies meet together with the motorcycle-riding fire brigade fans “Red Knights” (International Firefighters Motorcycle Club): Tradition meets modernity.

Both at INTERSCHUTZ and during the planned two-hour stop in front of the town hall, there will be an opportunity to have “petrol talks” with the drivers of the fire engines and motorcycles – as experts like to call their shop talk about the various high-horsepower models.

“Right at the opening of the last INTERSCHUTZ day, the participating vehicles will be available for visitors to visit on the INTERSCHUTZ site,” commented Thomas Ruß from the Lower Saxony State Fire Brigade Association, who is organizing the event as project manager for the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV). “In the late morning, the start towards the city center is planned.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service commissions electric fire engine

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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

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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.”