Volvo Penta has developed an electric driveline for an electrified fire truck from vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer International. The new truck, named RT (for “Revolutionary Technology”) is currently undergoing intensive testing, and will soon begin real-world customer testing with fire departments in Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai.

Firefighters responding to a call need a vehicle capable of high speed, rapid acceleration, hard braking and maneuverability. Rosenbauer says the RT’s electric drivetrain, paired with independent suspension and a hydropneumatic chassis, delivers a high standard of safety and great driving performance—and naturally, zero exhaust emissions and significantly reduced noise levels.

Each axle of the truck has its own electric motor. Battery capacity is sufficient for an electricity-powered journey and ample time for operation at the rescue site, according to the companies. The truck also includes a backup diesel engine.

“The teams at Volvo Penta and Rosenbauer have been working together closely to design a tailored solution that enables the electric fire truck to do its job in a more safe, effective and sustainable way than a conventional vehicle,” says Rosenbauer CEO Dieter Siegel. “We have been collaborating with Volvo Penta for many years, they are the experts in this field and they truly understand our needs.”

“At Volvo Penta, we see ourselves as partners, not suppliers to our OEM customers, so collaborating with Rosenbauer in this way is not unusual for us,” says Björn Ingemanson, President of Volvo Penta. “We want to become the world leader in sustainable power solutions and help our customers to future-proof their businesses by meeting the increased demands for cleaner, quieter and more efficient power solutions.”

Source: Volvo Penta