America’s first electric fire truck comes to service in Hollywood

The first electric fire truck in the United States has arrived in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) received a delivery of a Rosenbauer RTX truck on May 14. It will be deployed at LAFD 82 station in Hollywood, the department said in a press release.

LAFD announces plans to purchase electric fire truck from Austrian firm Rosenbauer in 2020. The RTX is actually an extended range electric vehicle, with a diesel engine that acts as a generator that helps charge the battery to 132 kW / h. According to Rosenbauer, BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-6 ​​turns on when the charge drops to 20%, and can charge the battery in about 45 minutes.

The drive is carried out by a pair of electric motors. One drives each axle, giving the RTX all-wheel drive. Together they have a continuous capacity of 350 hp. and a peak power of 490 hp.

The truck is also equipped with an adjustable air suspension that allows up to 19 inches of ground clearance and 3 feet of water travel capability, while allowing the truck to kneel so firefighters can more easily get in and out. Available all-wheel steering includes steering wheel and GMC Hummer EV-like crab modes.

Rosenbauer estimates the RTX can run for about two hours on battery power, plus another six hours on diesel fuel. Its onboard water pumps can be electrically driven or controlled by a diesel range extender, the company said.

Rosenbauer RTX LAFD electric fire truck

The battery is divided into two modules. One is located under the floor, similar to many electric cars. The second is located vertically behind the cab. The flexibility of the electrified transmission packaging has also created a more spacious cab layout, Rosenbauer noted.

LAFD has not confirmed plans for additional RTX fire engines. In 2020, Rosenbauer said he expects that by 2025 there will be 400 such vehicles in North America, and by 2030 – 3,200 vehicles worldwide.