Learn about the benefits and challenges of electric fire trucks from WFCA. Learn about costs, efficiency and operational challenges in fire emergency response.
Published:November 5, 2024
Edited:November 4, 2024
Learn about the benefits and challenges of electric fire trucks from WFCA. Learn about costs, efficiency and operational challenges in fire emergency response.
Electric fire trucks present a mix of advantages and challenges that impact their adoption in the firefighting community. On the positive side, these vehicles offer significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality during operations. They also lead to cost savings through decreased fuel consumption and maintenance needs. However, there are notable challenges, including high upfront costs, the need for substantial charging infrastructure, and concerns about reliability during high-demand situations. Understanding both the benefits and limitations is essential for fire departments considering the integration of electric fire trucks into their fleets.
Electric fire trucks present a variety of compelling benefits that enhance firefighting capabilities and support environmental sustainability.
Electric fire trucks offer significant environmental advantages, operating in zero-emission mode to cut down on greenhouse gases and air pollution. During daily operations and quick responses, these vehicles use clean energy, minimizing fuel consumption and reducing the carbon footprint of fire departments.
By minimizing fuel use, electric fire trucks bring cost savings over time. These vehicles often operate with an efficient drivetrain that optimally uses battery power and activates the internal combustion engine only when necessary. Lower fuel usage, along with simplified maintenance needs, reduces operational costs and creates long-term savings.
Electric fire trucks are quieter than traditional models, reducing noise levels both at emergency scenes and within the community. This feature allows for better communication among firefighters during operations and less disruption in residential areas.
Electric fire trucks rely on a robust station-based charging infrastructure that fits the specific needs of fire stations. With rapid recharge capabilities, many charging systems allow full battery recharge in under 90 minutes, ensuring these vehicles are always ready for service. Customizable installation options make this infrastructure flexible and easy to implement in various department settings.
These fire trucks are designed to switch seamlessly between battery power and an internal combustion engine (ICE) mode, offering uninterrupted performance in extended operations. Electric drivetrains with multi-mode capabilities allow for seamless transitions, ensuring reliability and sustained functionality for pumping and other emergency needs.
Battery placement in electric fire trucks is optimized for both safety and vehicle stability. Often located between the cab and the pump house or above the frame rails, the battery position improves weight distribution and protects it from debris, collisions, and weather-related impacts. This design enhances the truck’s handling and stability without compromising compartment space or functionality.1
Challenges and limitations come with integrating electric fire trucks into today’s fire service, impacting their widespread adoption and operational readiness.
Electric fire trucks, in their current state, struggle to meet the runtime demands in high-call-volume areas. Firefighters may handle upwards of 20 calls daily, requiring engines to run almost nonstop. During prolonged incidents, such as extensive fire scenes, the truck’s ability to pump water continuously over multiple days is crucial. Existing battery technology often cannot support such intense, sustained use, and recharging takes significant time, leaving vehicles temporarily out of commission. While progress is being made on potential solutions, like removable batteries, these options are still in development and not widely available.
Electric fire trucks are often prohibitively expensive, requiring costly infrastructure for charging and specialized maintenance, making them difficult for smaller municipalities to justify without substantial financial aid. With higher component costs, electric fire trucks remain a high-budget investment that can be challenging to support. Additionally, the long-term financial feasibility, including potential maintenance and training costs, remains a barrier to widespread adoption in fire departments operating on limited budgets.
Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles remains unevenly distributed, especially in rural or suburban areas. In some cities, such as Toronto, limitations in the existing electrical grid required significant adjustments to accommodate electric fire trucks. Without substantial upgrades, smaller municipalities may find it difficult to ensure these vehicles are reliably charged, making them less practical for fire departments that cover large service areas.
Electricity demand is projected to grow substantially due to advancements in technology like Generative AI, which will require enormous amounts of electricity for data centers and server cooling. This surge in energy needs could strain the grid, compounding challenges as more electric vehicles enter service. Fire departments already dependent on electric power could face power limitations or outages that impact their readiness in emergencies.
Hydrogen power is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative, especially for larger, heavier vehicles like fire trucks. Hydrogen fuel cells offer clean energy with potentially longer ranges than electric batteries, and hydrogen is abundant. However, hydrogen’s flammability poses safety challenges, and infrastructure updates would be needed to store and transport it effectively.2
Electric fire trucks are now in service across North America, blending traditional fire truck design with advanced electric capabilities. The City of Madison, Wisconsin, deployed its first electric fire truck in 2021 at its busiest station, underscoring its commitment to reducing emissions without altering procedures. Portland Fire & Rescue added an electric fire truck as a part of its carbon reduction goals, and Gilbert Fire and Rescue in Arizona introduced one to reduce diesel exhaust exposure in fire stations.3
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Learn about the benefits and challenges of electric fire trucks from WFCA. Learn about costs, efficiency and operational challenges in fire emergency response.