Australia’s first fully electric emergency services vehicle – an electric Breathing Apparatus vehicle – joined the ACT Fire & Rescue fleet today.
The vehicle is the first of its kind for emergency services in Australia, and the ACT Government says it maintains the ACT as a national leader in innovation and sustainable technology.
ACT firefighters will be trained how to use the first truck, which is expected to be operational in early 2024.
The vehicle is being transported 1,188 km from Brisbane on a Volvo FH electric truck.
“The world around us is rapidly changing, and to lead by example and take another step towards creating a sustainable future is a milestone for the ACT and our Emergency Services Agency (ESA), and one we are very proud of,” Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said.
Under the ACT Climate Change Strategy (2019-2025), the ACT territory Government has committed to net zero emissions by 2045, and committed the ESA to reducing emissions by 33 per cent by 2025, 66 per cent by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2045.
“With the arrival of this vehicle in the ACT, carried by a zero-emissions truck, it is clear that we are not only taking big steps to reach this achievable goal, but helping reduce emissions nationally,” Mr Gentleman said. “I am proud of the work we have done to get here and hope that other states, territories, and countries around the world will follow in our footsteps.”
ACTF&R’s electric breathing apparatus truck is one of seven vehicles being developed with Volvo Group Australia that will be introduced to the ESA fleet over the coming years.
“As well as delivering zero-emissions, these vehicles have been designed with firefighter safety and comfort front of mind with improved ergonomics, such as easy to access storage areas, and reduced exposure to diesel particles,” Mr Gentleman said. “This ultimately provides long-term health benefits to our first responders.
“Supporting our first responders is the first step in ensuring community safety. Our emergency services staff and volunteers are outstanding members of our community who deserve the safest and best working environments to complete their life-saving work. With the electrification of the ESA fleet, this can and will be achieved, ensuring a safer ACT in the process.”
This vehicle could not have been created without the hard work of ACT firefighters, ACTF&R Superintendent for Capability Support Glenn Brewer said.
“This truck was created by firefighters for firefighters,” Supt Brewer said. “Being the ones who are out on the road using our vehicles every day receiving their input in the design of this truck ensures it meets their needs.
“The electric breathing apparatus truck is a nimble vehicle designed for urban environments, that will provide specialist breathing apparatus capabilities at a range of operations such as structure fires, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents.”
Supt Brewer thanked Volvo Group Australia and the ESA project team, which included firefighters from ACTF&R and subject specialists from ESA Fleet, who designed and delivered the word-class vehicle.
