The Victorian Government is modernising Fire Rescue Victoria’s (FRV) fleet by introducing the state’s first electric fire truck – built to make sure its firefighters can respond quickly and keep Victorians safe.
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes announced that FRV’s Electric Vehicle for Incident and Emergency – named EVIE for short – is on its way from Austria.
EVIE has powerful firefighting capabilities and innovative new features. These include independent drive and pump systems for firefighting on the move, meaning firefighters do not have to park the truck, get out and set the pumper up. There are also improvements to the inside cabin to provide more storage and be more comfortable.
“Victoria’s first electric fire truck is an exciting step towards a low-emissions future and a new way to continue keeping Victorians safe,” Ms Symes said.
“Every day, our emergency services are on the frontline, protecting Victorians from fires, floods and other incidents – we’re making sure they have the equipment they need to do their job.”
EVIE has been built to FRV specifications and combines the latest innovative firefighting equipment and technology in a zero-emissions vehicle. EVIE is a first for FRV and only the second fully electric fire truck in Australia.
The fire truck also features artwork entitled Bunjil and Waa by Samantha Richards, a descendant of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through the Terrick family.
Once delivered, firefighters will be thoroughly trained and familiarised with EVIE’s modern technology before the fire truck is gradually introduced to service in early 2025.
“We’re extremely proud to introduce Victoria’s first electric fire truck to Fire Rescue Victoria as part of the modernisation of our vehicle fleet,” Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman, AFSM, said.
“We will be evaluating all aspects of the truck’s performance to help inform future decisions about the integration of electric fire appliances into our service.”
EVIE will begin service by shadowing other fire appliances responding to incidents, to fully test the fire truck’s capabilities.
In addition to EVIE, the State Government is investing $13.7 million in five new aerial pumper platform appliances fitted with the latest fleet technology for FRV as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25.
These join the 22 new trucks and support vehicles in the project stage at FRV, including Heavy Pumps, Heavy Rescue Vehicles, Breathing Apparatus support vehicles, Rehab Units, and an ultra-large pumper.
“This vehicle has been built with expert advice from our people to provide maximum benefit for the Victorian community and the firefighters that will be operating it at incidents, and we thank all members of the project team for their highly valued contribution to date,” Mr Freeman said.
Image: VAKSMANV/stock.adobe.com
