Seeing the consequences of climate change has seen this emergency management body fast-track its pilot of an electric fire truck.
Introducing an electric fire truck for use by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) represents a watershed moment in emergency response technology. Dubbed EVIE (Electric Vehicle for Incident and Emergency), this new addition to FRV’s fleet merges sustainability with cutting-edge functionality, offering benefits that extend far beyond the environmental realm.
EVIE showcases advancements in pumping capabilities and exemplifies a broader move towards innovation-driven efficiency in emergency services.
Reimagining pumping power
EVIE is designed with a groundbreaking independent “pump-and-roll” feature that allows for simultaneous driving and pumping. This is a significant advancement over traditional pumpers that rely on the vehicle’s engine.
Craig Brownlie, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at FRV, describes it as a “game changer in terms of efficiencies in getting water, ultimately, on the fire”.
EVIE’s separate electric drive motors allow it to begin pumping before firefighters exit the cab, reducing response times and enabling faster, more effective firefighting. This innovation is particularly vital in high-stakes situations where every second counts. With the ability to pump water on the move, EVIE meets one of the industry’s long-standing challenges: delivering powerful water flow while maintaining vehicle mobility. Designed with a high-performance NH 55 pump, EVIE provides a remarkable flow rate of 6,000 litres per minute, significantly exceeding the 4,000 litres per minute achieved by the current fleet. This ensures the truck can tackle larger urban fires with ease.
Adding further versatility, EVIE’s integrated foam proportioning system simplifies the application of Class B foam, which is essential for certain types of fires. This combination of high flow rate and foam capability allows FRV to respond to fires more efficiently, enhancing EVIE’s value as a multi-functional, all-electric emergency vehicle.
A sustainable approach
In a proactive response to the urgent need for climate action, FRV has integrated EVIE into its fleet as a cornerstone of its decarbonisation strategy. EVIE runs entirely on electric power 98 per cent of the time, relying on a diesel generator only in extended emergency scenarios where continuous pumping is required. This is a step towards FRV’s long-term goal of becoming the world’s first net-zero emission fire service. This vision aligns with FRV’s heritage of embracing innovation, from its early adoption of motorised fire engines to today’s advancements in electrification.
“Climate change is a real issue,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brownlie. “We are contributors to environmental carbon via our fleet, but we also see the consequences of climate change with increased operational activity.”
With rising instances of intense fires and storm events, the impact of climate change on emergency response has become increasingly evident. EVIE’s emissions-reducing design also addresses another pressing health concern: diesel particulates, a known carcinogen that has long plagued fire stations. By reducing these pollutants, EVIE contributes to a cleaner, safer environment for firefighters and the communities they serve. the electric pumper is setting a precedent for emergency response vehicles across the industry.
Prioritising firefighter health and safety
The electric pumper goes beyond just reducing emissions – it’s also engineered with firefighter health and safety in mind. Traditional fire trucks require firefighters to jump from ladders or high steps, often resulting in musculoskeletal injuries. EVIE, however, incorporates a stair-like entry and exit system designed to reduce injuries to knees, backs and ankles.
Inside the truck, the seating layout has been reimagined. Instead of the forward-facing layout typical of fire trucks, EVIE’s crew seating faces sideways, allowing for clearer in-vehicle communication.
“It’s much quieter, with no diesel engine running underfoot, which gives us a better communication environment,” says Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brownlie. “The enhanced layout allows the officer to brief the crew effectively enroute to a call, ensuring everyone is prepared and aligned before arriving at the scene.”
Moreover, EVIE features an air-scrubbing system that circulates 3,000 litres of air per minute within the cab, continuously removing harmful contaminants.
“As firefighters, we go into areas where we’re exposed to smoke and other hazardous products,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brownlie. “Once we’re back in the cab, this system cleans and scrubs those chemicals out, keeping the environment as safe as possible for our firefighters.”
Tailored for urban and peri-urban environments
Though primarily designed for urban areas, EVIE can handle off-road situations in peri-urban environments. With adjustable ground clearance and all-wheel drive, the electric truck can navigate rugged terrain, allowing firefighters to access difficult-to-reach areas during emergencies.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brownlie has extensive experience in both urban and rural firefighting. “EVIE has better ground clearance than most fire service heavy tankers in its highest capacity,” he said. “This makes it well-suited to the rural-urban interface and enables FRV to respond effectively to fires on back fences or rural properties.”
Looking to the future
For FRV, EVIE is not merely an innovation – it’s a glimpse into the future of firefighting. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brownlie said, “We aim to lead by example and demonstrate that we can decarbonise our fleet.”
Beyond immediate local impact, FRV’s decarbonisation efforts are part of a global initiative to promote sustainable firefighting. Through ZEON (Zero Emissions Operational Network), an FRV-led collaboration with fire services in Berlin, Vancouver, and Los Angeles, FRV shares valuable insights and best practices on electrification. This network serves as a resource for other fire services interested in adopting low-emission solutions, providing guidance on implementation and overcoming potential challenges.
By integrating advanced pumping systems and sustainable powertrains, EVIE is reshaping what it means to be a high-performance and eco-conscious emergency vehicle. For pump industry stakeholders, the electric pumper reflects a broader shift toward solutions that don’t compromise performance or safety for environmental goals. EVIE’s arrival is a testament to FRV’s mission of aligning emergency response with the demands of a changing world, setting a new benchmark for what can be achieved in firefighting and pump technology.
