Volvo Penta has collaborated with fire truck manufacturer Rosenbauer, to develop an electric driveline for the zero emission and low noise Revolutionary Technology (RT) fire truck, as a response to climate change.
Volvo Penta and Rosenbauer have introduced a completely new vehicle architecture which aims to revolutionise the fire service industry. They have abandoned conventional commercial vehicle concepts, and instead developed an electric solution to truck drivelines. Currently undergoing intensive testing, the RT will enter real-world customer testing later this year, in fire departments across Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai.
Paul Jansson, Chief Project Manager at Volvo Penta commented: ‘With an electric driveline, the fire truck has excellent ergonomics, functionality, and safety, with high loading volumes, compact dimensions, and agility.’ However, Volvo Penta-powered RT truck, is the potential for fire departments around the world to lower fuel costs. RT gives the future of the firefighting industry lowered financial and environmental barriers.
‘After many years of successful collaboration with Rosenbauer, we are proud to be pioneering electric drivelines and partnering with them on this revolutionary project. This is our first industrial OEM partnership in the area of electromobility and it is a big step towards creating a new product platform of the future,’ said Paul Jansson
Volvo Penta has drawn on the history of Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses. The company adapted existing driveline technology to meet the performance requirements of a fire service application. Each axle of the truck is powered by an electric motor and the energy storage system enables an electricity-powered journey with more than sufficient time for operation at a rescue site. However, the new electrically-powered truck has a backup diesel engine onboard, should the operation take longer than anticipated. This technology is solving the issues currently faced by the first electrical fleet vehicles entering the market.
Dieter Siegel, CEO at Rosenbauer International said: ‘The teams at Volvo Penta and Rosenbauer have been working together closely to design a tailored solution that enables the electric fire truck to do its job in a more safe, effective and sustainable way than a conventional vehicle. Together, we have created the most revolutionary and progressive vehicle in the fire service industry.’
