The City of Victoria confirmed the city had ordered the first electric fire engine to operate in 2024. The Rosenbauer Revolutionary Technology (RTX) pumper fire engine is currently in production and is scheduled to arrive in Victoria sometime next year.
The city has already confirmed the new EV pumper will be at the new Victoria Fire Department Headquarters on Johnson Street, where a 25-kilowatt (kW) fast charger will be installed to keep it charged up between calls.
The RTX pumper has a battery range of 100 kilometres (62 miles) with a built-in diesel range extender which will activate when the battery falls under 20 per cent. This is not the first RTX pumper to come to Canada. The Vancouver Fire Department and Brampton Fire Department also have orders with the company.
Victoria Fire Chief Daniel Atkinson had this to say: (via Victoria Now)
The advanced capabilities of the electric fire engine will not only help to reduce emissions but also enhance our ability to respond to emergencies. We are excited to embrace this cutting-edge technology, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of service to the residents of Victoria while demonstrating our commitment to climate leadership.
The province kicked in 33 per cent of the cost of the $1.7 million pumper truck, with the city covering the remaining amount. The typical diesel pumper truck runs between $700,000 and $1 million, depending on the specific needs of the fire service.
