Queensland Fire and Emergency Services go electric

In a landmark move for emergency services and sustainable transport in Australia, Volvo Trucks has delivered the first Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) electric vehicle, a Volvo 6×4 FMX Heavy Duty Electric Prime Mover (FMX Electric). QFES Commissioner Steve Smith AFSM, Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services Hon. Nikki Boyd MP, and Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Hon. Mick de Brenni MP attended the delivery in Volvo’s Wacol factory, showing the combined commitment to a cleaner future for Queensland. 

The Volvo 6×4 FMX Heavy Duty Electric Prime Mover (FMX Electric), will carry out operational tasks under QFES’ logistics command. Alongside the electric model, a second vehicle, a Volvo FMX 6×4 Prime Mover with the latest 13-litre Euro 6 technology, was delivered. This will operate alongside the fully electric model to assess the performance and emissions benefits of running on fossil-fuel-free Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) against diesel. 

Lauren Pulitano, Vice President of Public Affairs, Volvo Group Australia congratulated the QFES on its commitment to transitioning its fleet to more sustainable vehicles. “This delivery signifies not only a commitment to a cleaner future but also to innovation and leadership,” she stated. 

QFES Commissioner Steve Smith AFSM highlighted the significance of these trucks to the QFES fleet. He said, “We are proud to be leading the nation in the effort to reduce our emissions. Both the electric and HVO-powered trucks will be trialled in a non-critical tier of response and operations, allowing us the ability to assess the benefits of the vehicles before adopting them further into the fleet. There are about 500 heavy vehicles in the Fire and Rescue fleet and another 1,030 in RFS, so this pilot plays a pivotal role in shaping the approach we take towards the decarbonisation of our service.”