Dubai Civil Defence adds to its fleet with the first fully electric fire engine

'The firefighting truck of the future' can run up to 500km on a single charge and be controlled remotely

The newly launched fully electric Rosenbauer Revolutionary Technology fire engine is the first of its kind, and it belongs to Dubai Civil Defence. Antonie Robertson / The National

The new fire engine was launched at the Custom Show Emirates in World Trade Centre Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

This fully electric municipal fire engine features amongst other aspects a Volvo Penta electric drivetrain, drive power of dual engines producing 350 kW, a diesel-powered BMW Range Extender, two high-voltage batteries with 100 kWh of available capacity and an electronic stability programme with additional rear axle steering (all-wheel steering) for optimised manoeuvrability. Antonie Robertson / The National

The firefighting equipment include a NH35 pump. a pump drive with generator (electrical) or with diesel engine (mechanical) option, and a foam proportioning system. Antonie Robertson / The National

The fire engine is techically advanced inside and out. Antonie Robertson / The National

It has a tank volume of 4,000 litres of water and 400 litres of foam compound. Pressure outlets on the front and sides make for an all-round fire fighting platform. Antonie Robertson / The National

The electric truck can also be remote controlled. Antonie Robertson / The National

The first electric fire engine in the Middle East was unveiled at the Custom Show Emirates event at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday.

It was developed by Rosenbauer – one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire service vehicles – and can travel up to 500km on a single charge, and is faster and more effective than other fire engines, Dubai Civil Defence said.

The truck also contains the latest firefighting technology, including a 4,000-litre water tank, a 400-litre foam tank, multiple cameras and monitors, and electric roller shutters.

It is also fitted with an intelligent system that allows it to be controlled remotely.

“We always seek to be number one and try to come up with innovative contributions to better serve our community,” said Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, head of Dubai Civil Defence.

“Today, we add a cutting-edge zero-emission fire appliance to our fleet that uses battery power for both its engine and water hose pump, and is faster than regular vehicles by 20 per cent.

“There is a plan to transform all firefighting vehicles into environment-friendly ones," he said.

The vehicle, which accommodates six firefighters, can be fully powered in less than one hour and can take part in up to eight missions per charge.

If it should run out of power, an onboard emergency diesel generator can provide it with electricity.

Environmentally friendly firefighting

The machine was originally modified from an electric truck into a firefighting vehicle, explained engineer Martin Kitzmuller, Rosenbauer’s regional sales manager.

“The development of the truck, which is not available on the market for buyers, was done in co-operation with Dubai Civil Defence, which will now put it into service,” he said.

“It is still in development. We will continue [evolving] it together with Dubai Civil Defence so it can be improved for the future.

“This will be the firefighting truck of the future. In the next ten years, all firefighting trucks should look like this.”