Excerpts from nbc15.com:
The Sun Prairie Fire Department (WI) hosted a demonstration of the first fully electric firetruck in North America.
First launched in 2021 by the REV Fire Group, the REV Vector is able to respond to calls and pump for four hours straight on a single battery charge. The company said in addition to being energy efficient, it also eliminates exhaust and cancer-causing risks for firefighters.
Sun Prairie Fire Chief Christopher Garrison said while he was skeptical at first, he was impressed with the new technology.
”I’m really surprised, to be honest with you,” Garrison said. “I got to drive it last night and I got a good piece of it and I’ve got to be honest with you, it drives like a dream. I’m waiting to see it pump. Firefighters don’t like change, but if we don’t start moving toward the change in the direction, we don’t want to miss the boat.”
Firefighters had a chance to test out the pump, which is much quieter than those on a standard pumper.
#1 by Mike on May 7, 2023 - 2:08 PM
They seem happy with the Pierce in Madison and even purchased one outright. Here is some info on their experience.
https://www.piercemfg.com/electric-fire-trucks/pierce-volterra
#2 by James on May 7, 2023 - 9:16 AM
I believe E82 of the LAFD was the first electric fire engine of North America. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Most likely the first in the central part of the US. I also believe it would be good for the fire service to go electric. These first couple of vehicles will show what needs to be fixed for future designs to perfect.
#3 by crabbymilton on May 3, 2023 - 3:12 PM
Time will tell Mike and I wish PIERCE and E-ONE well. They will be scorned and blasted if they are a colossal failure. I think in the case of ROSENBAUER, that thing may not be the most sharp looker. It does remind me of those old GESTERNSLAGER specialty units.
#4 by Mike on May 3, 2023 - 2:51 PM
Their neighbors city of Madison fire have had a hybrid pierce for almost 2 years now. So far nothing negative. I think peoples issues with the rosenbaur is because it’s styled after European fire apparatus, so it’s ugly. But even with that LAFD released a study after the first 3 months in the field and it’s still in service and no issues since the water tank cracked. Which just like other brand new apparatus things happen sometimes.
#5 by crabbymilton on May 3, 2023 - 1:42 PM
Road salt and electrical components don’t get along well either. Unless I’m mistaken, I think this VECTOR has a small diesel so it’s more or less a plug in hybrid but they obviously downplay the fact that it does have a diesel. See they want to make the greenies happy.
#6 by Ted on May 3, 2023 - 12:55 PM
Just wait…dont know what its going to do in the extreme cold, and what effect the salt will have on the batteries….