Australia’s first electric fire truck rolls out, and it won’t be blowing smoke

The next generation of emergency service vehicles will not be blowing smoke themselves after the ACT and Volvo revealed Australia’s first electric fire and rescue truck.

The heavy vehicle – a bright yellow Volvo FL Electric truck – was unveiled at Brisbane’s Australasian Fire Authorities Council Conference on Wednesday, one year after the territory announced its partnership with the Swedish firm.

The truck is one of several on order for the ACT, which plans to electrify a large fleet of emergency services vehicles in the next decade.

ACT Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said electrifying trucks was vital to meet the territory’s target of net-zero transport emissions by 2045.

The first electric fire and rescue vehicle would be operational early next year, Gentleman told AAP, with more on the way.

“We have a big challenge – we have 300 vehicles in our emergency fleet in the ACT that make 1700 tonnes of emissions every year which we need to reduce to zero,” he said.

“We have another six in train over the next couple of years but we have to replace the whole fleet.”

The new truck, fitted with breathing apparatus and other equipment in New Zealand before being shipped to Australia, has a battery range of 300 kilometres and near-silent operation.

ACT Fire and Rescue Chief Officer Matthew Mavity said the electric vehicle would be a welcome addition for firefighters who were “often confronted with the effects of climate change”.

He said the quiet, modern vehicle would improve their working conditions.

“Firefighters are the most important asset I have and by reducing emissions, reducing carbon dioxide in their work environment … I make their lives safer, I make them more effective for you and we can do better,” Mr Mavity said.

Volvo Group Australia chief executive Martin Merrick said the electric fire truck’s arrival should pave the way for more low-emission transport solutions for the ACT and other states.

“Thirty per cent of the ACT’s fleet could be battery electric vehicles and they’re looking to the future,” he said.

“We’re convinced they will achieve net zero by 2050 and we target it by 2040 to make sure the last (petrol or diesel) vehicle we make will be replaced by 2050.”

Merrick said progress in electrifying heavy vehicles in Australia was being held back by restrictions on the vehicles’ front axle weight.

He called for local, state and federal governments to approve changes to get more low-emission heavy vehicles on the road.

“There really needs to be a collaboration with all levels of government,” he said.

“We need legislation change to increase the adoption rate, then the magic will happen.”