The ACT Government unveiled Australia’s first zero emissions truck – a fully electric breathing apparatus truck, made by Volvo Group Australia – at the Australasian Fire and Authorities (AFAC) exhibition and conference in Brisbane.

The vehicle is expected to be operational within the ACT early next year. Another six vehicles, also made by Volvo, will join the ACT Emergency Services fleet over the coming years.

“The electric breathing apparatus truck joining our service is a nimble vehicle designed for urban environments,” ACT Fire and Rescue Chief Officer Matthew Mavity said. “The support vehicle will provide specialist breathing apparatus capabilities at varied incidents such as structure fires, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents.

“This truck has also been designed with firefighter safety and comfort front of mind with improved ergonomics such as easy to access storage areas. The vehicle has also been built to allow firefighters to have less exposure to diesel particles, which will have long term health benefits for our crews.”

Mr Mavity said the vehicle would provide long-term financial benefits to the Emergency Services Agency (ESA).

“Replacing one diesel fire truck with one electric one will save our agency $12,250 in fuel per year,” Mr Mavity said. “It will also help us reduce emissions [by] up to 17 carbon dioxide tons per year.”

Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said the arrival of the vehicle was a milestone towards a sustainable future, for both emergency services and the ACT, and would help achieve the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045.

“Having fully electric, zero-emission vehicles mean that our frontline responders can continue to protect our community, but through a more sustainable fleet,” Mr Gentleman said.

Mr Mavity added: “I am proud of us as an agency to be leading the way and playing our part in reducing emissions to help improve the livelihoods of the community that we serve. However, creating a liveable future for the nation is a task that we cannot take on alone and I hope that other emergency services across the country follow in our footsteps and play their part in helping reduce emissions nationally.”