Rosenbauer & Volvo release all-electric fire truck

Austria’s Rosenbauer presents the first all-electric fire engine based on a series chassis as the development builds on Volvo’s FL Electric also known from city logistics. The new truck allows flexible use, says Rosenbauer, not “only” firefighting.

The original Volvo FL Electric had been designed to host a range of services with deliveries and waste collection being the primary ones for the 16-ton truck. Volvo had developed the electric vehicle in close cooperation with the city of Gothenburg and the joint work with Rosenbauer builds on the collaborative and custom-made approach.

The fire truck now on display at the Florian trade show in the German city of Dresden uses the series body and technology of Volvo’s FL Electric in a powerful trim.

The electric drive has an output of 200 kW at peak or 165 kW continuous power. A two-speed transmission also allows to gear up with max torque in steep terrain. In general, the FL Electric set-up sits two to six 50 kWh lithium-ion battery packs with 600V for capacities between 100 to 300 kWh depending on requirements. Claimed ranges cover 100 to 300 kilometres. The 22kW AC charging takes around 13 hours for the largest battery option and 1 – 2 hours DC fast-charging with up to 150 kW via CCS.

The electric fire truck Rosenbauer configured uses four batteries (200 kWh). The company claims these would provide “sufficient energy for an average logistics operation with arrival and departure, operational site lighting (flashing lights, ambient lighting, LED interior lighting) as well as the electrical supply of radios, laptops, hand lamps, and chargers.” The vehicle thus serves for on-scene supply logistics and Rosenbauer added their CAN bus system.

The structure comprises of a workshop compartment, two equipment rooms and a spacious logistics or loading area. Other set-ups are possible and there is also shelving and four roll-on/roll-off containers that run securely on an integrated rail system. The truck can fit up to six box trolleys (RTE RC profiles) in the rear. A tail lift supports loading and unloading, and there are a separate door and stairs for access to the workshop.

We are waiting for Rosenbauer and Volvo to disclose any clients or plans for serious production and sales. The FL Electric truck is on sale in Europe as a delivery electric vehicle and in other municipal services.

It is the second cooperation in the firefighting and emergency sector for the two companies. Rosenbauer launched a plug-in hybrid firetruck dubbed the RT for Revolutionary Technology using a drive from Volvo Penta in July this year. The hybrids are in real-world trials with fire and rescue services in Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai.

volvotrucks.de (original source, in German), everythingforthatmoment.com