VICTORIA, BC — As a pivotal moment for both environmental and firefighter health initiatives, Victoria Fire Department has placed into service its first electric fire truck, a Rosenbauer RTX. With a target to electrify or renewably power 80 percent of its vehicles by 2040, the city has already placed an order for a second unit.
With the new Rosenbauer RTX, this addition to the Victoria firefighting fleet is an agile, climate-friendly emergency response vehicle designed with enhanced features and safety for firefighters. This state-of-the-art electric fire truck combines the latest technology, intuitive features, and a fully customized design, making it more responsive and adaptable to various firefighting and emergency response scenarios.
Key Features of the New Rosenbauer RTX Electric Fire Truck:
- Ergonomic Benefits: The fire apparatus is designed with firefighter health and safety in mind, offering ergonomic features that reduce physical strain and improve comfort during operations.
- Reduced Exposure to Harmful Emissions: Operating primarily in full-electric mode, the rig significantly reduces exposure to harmful emissions, creating a safer and healthier environment for frontline crews. This is particularly important in urban areas where air quality can be a concern.
- Unmatched Revolutionary Design: The truck is not just a redesign but a complete reinvention, focusing on firefighter safety, vehicle maneuverability, agility, and power.
- Electric Drivetrain: Equipped with dual electric motors and a substantial battery capacity, the Rosenbauer RTX offers all-wheel drive and impressive driving performance.
- Backup System: It includes a clean diesel engine that activates when the battery is low, ensuring continuous operation during extended operations.
- Advanced Suspension: The adjustable air suspension system provides various modes for different terrains, enhancing the truck’s versatility.
- Environmental Impact: This fire apparatus operates nearly silently and significantly reduces CO2 emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Initially, our crew was skeptical about the new electric fire truck. However, after hands-on training and responding to calls, they quickly learned that the RTX was far more than just an electric fire truck. The firefighters really appreciate its ergonomic design, enhanced maneuverability, and open command cab layout, which make their jobs easier. Beyond its impressive features, the RTX’s whisper-quiet operation and cleaner air initiative are a breath of fresh air for our team’s health and safety, making it an invaluable addition to our fleet.”
The Rosenbauer RTX electric fire truck is expected to handle more than 95 percent of its calls in full-electric mode, operating with zero emissions and virtually no noise. However, if extended operations are required, an onboard diesel engine will automatically engage when the battery drops below 20 percent during, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Victoria has fully embraced this new technology and has already placed an order for an additional unit, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable and efficient emergency response solutions. The second unit is expected to arrive in late 2025 and will further enhance the city’s capabilities in providing safe and effective emergency services.
Firefighters quickly adapted to the new technology following comprehensive hands-on training, seamlessly integrating the advanced features and ergonomic design into their daily operations. The Rosenbauer RTX is already fully operational and was responded to its first call for service in Victoria at 1:34 PM on June 21, 2024.
