The City of Victoria is “fired up” to welcome its first electric fire engine by the end of the year.
The Rosenbauer Revolutionary Technology (RTX) pumper fire engine has a range of 100 kilometres and is equipped with an onboard diesel range extender which will kick in if the batteries run low.
“This innovative feature will automatically engage if the charge on the batteries falls below 20 per cent, allowing the fire engine to operate continuously without limitations when responding to emergencies,” said the City in a media release.
The total cost of the electric fire engine and charging infrastructure is approximately $1.7 million. The engine is currently being assembled and is expected to be in operation in 2024.
The release stated the province will cover 33 per cent of costs through its CleanBC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program. The City will cover remaining costs, which are reportedly in line with that of a traditional fire engine.
The engine will be stationed at the new Victoria Fire Department Headquarters at 1025 Johnson St. A dedicated 25-kilowatt direct current fast charger will be installed at the station to charge the engine between runs.
Victoria is one of the first municipalities in the country to purchase an electric fire engine. Fire departments in Vancouver and Brampton, Ont., have also ordered RTX engines.
The engines are already in use in other cities around the world, including Los Angeles, Berlin, Vienna, Basel and Dubai.
“The advanced capabilities of the electric fire engine will not only help to reduce emissions, but also enhance our ability to respond to emergencies,” said Fire Chief Daniel Atkinson in the release.
The purchase is part of the municipal Climate Leadership Program, which has set a target for 80 per cent of the City’s fleet to be electrified or renewably powered by 2040.
“This fire engine is an important step in making the switch to zero-emission vehicles,” said Mayor Marianne Alto in the release. “As we continue to implement the City’s Green Fleet Plan, we are seizing opportunities like this to electrify and enhance our fleet, reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions.”
READ MORE: Towed away: West Shore police see ‘dramatic’ rise in uninsured vehicles
