Rosenbauer delivers EREV fire engine in Hamburg

In Hamburg, the new eHLF20 has the same load as a conventionally powered HLF20 with equipment for fire, emergency and rescue operations. The integrated water tank holds up to 1,600 litres, and up to 120 litres of foam compound is also on board. With the water tank on board, firefighting can already begin operations until a water supply is established via a hydrant. The Rosenbauer RT delivered to the Berlin Fire Department in 2020 is operated as an eLHF (electrically powered firefighting and rescue vehicle).

The Rosenbauer RT (short for Revolutionary Technology) is an electric fire engine with a range extender. Two electric motors provide 350 kW of drive power, the electricity comes from a high-voltage battery with 100 kWh or from a diesel-powered range extender from BMW – a three-litre in-line six-cylinder engine. According to Rosenbauer, this should enable the continuous operation of the vehicle in driving and operational situations. However, a total of four electric drives from Volvo Penta are installed in the vehicle: The two units mentioned for the drive, one as a generator for the range extender and one for electric drives for the extinguishing technology.

Hamburg orders special equipment for floods

“With its fully electric drive, integrated Energy Backup System, and adjustable height, it not only reliably masters the regular operations of the professional fire service but also extreme situations,” Rosenbauer wrote about the vehicle for the Hamburg professional fire brigade. This unit has a height-adjustable chassis as an optional extra, which is designed to enable water crossings up to a depth of 800 millimetres at the top level – for example in the event of flooding in the harbour area. “This capability is not a standard model feature but was made possible through specific vehicle modifications at the customer’s request,” wrote the manufacturer.

Thanks to a mirror replacement system with cameras, the Hamburger RT is only 2.35 metres wide. With its rear-axle steering and relatively short 4.10-metre wheelbase, the vehicle is also advertised as being extremely manoeuvrable. The cab with an integrated driver and crew compartment also meets the requirements of the City of Hamburg.

“We are proud of this special RT, which we developed together with the Hamburg Fire Department. Once again, it demonstrates the high adaptability of this innovative vehicle architecture to our customers’ specific operational needs. This makes it the fire truck of the future,” says Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International AG. Planning for the eHLF for the fire service of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg began in 2021, and initial discussions with Rosenbauer took place at Interschutz 2022. In 2023, the Hamburg Fire Department then commissioned Rosenbauer with the RT.

“With the procurement of our all-electric emergency vehicles, we are breaking new ground in firefighting and rescue services and are thus setting an example for an even more powerful and sustainable Hamburg Fire Department,” says Jörg Sauermann, Head of the Hamburg Fire Department. “In particular, the design of the new electric rescue fire engine significantly simplifies work at the scene. We are proud to receive vehicles specifically tailored to Hamburg’s needs today. With this project, we demonstrate that modern drive technology can bring many advantages to hazard prevention in a major metropolitan area.”

Two electric ambulances and an electric rescue vehicle have been part of the Hamburg Fire Brigade’s fleet since March 2025 and will perform their duties in the sometimes challenging operations in the future. Two further electric command vehicles have already been in trial operation since June 2024.

rosenbauer.com, now-gmbh.de (in German)