The new electric fire truck is a Volvo 6x4 FMX Heavy Duty Electric Prime Mover (FMX Electric). It features three electric motors with a power output of 490kW and a large battery capacity of 540kWh. It can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge and requires only 2.5 hours for a full charge at a 250kW DC station. The vehicle has a gross combination weight of 50 tonnes.
In addition to the electric truck, QFES is also conducting trials with other environmentally friendly vehicles. These include a Biofuel Fire Truck running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), currently being tested in Townsville, and previously introduced hybrid and fully electric response vehicles by ACT Emergency Services Agency.
Commissioner Steve Smith commented on the introduction of this vehicle. “Both the electric and HVO-powered trucks will be trialled in a non-critical tier of response and operations," he said. This allows QFES "the ability to assess the benefits of these vehicles before adopting them further into our fleet.”
These introductions represent an increasing commitment by emergency services across Australia to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. The move aligns with global environmental goals and showcases how critical service sectors are adapting to eco-friendly technologies.
Source: Volvo Trucks