Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is looking forward to welcoming the state’s first electric fire truck, a custom-designed vehicle dubbed ‘EVIE’, to its fleet later this year.
EVIE has been built to FRV specifications and combines the latest firefighting equipment and technology with a high-performing zero emissions vehicle.
“We’re extremely proud to introduce EVIE to Fire Rescue Victoria as part of the modernisation of our vehicle fleet,” said Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM.
“We’ll be evaluating all aspects of the truck’s performance to help inform future decisions about the integration of electric fire appliances into our service.”
A first for FRV, and the second fully-electric fire truck in Australia, EVIE will be a valuable addition to the state’s firefighting fleet and allow the trial of the technology.
Commissioner Freeman says an expert FRV team, including representatives from the Victorian United Firefighters Union (UFU) and workshop personnel, has been involved in the design of the vehicle every step of the way to deliver the greatest benefit for firefighting crews and the Victorian community.
“We thank the project team and the UFU for their highly valued contribution,” he said.
EVIE meets all requirements as a primary FRV pumper with powerful firefighting capabilities and innovative new features like independent drive and pump systems for ‘pump and roll’ firefighting on the move, and improvements to ergonomics and stowage lockers to support firefighters’ health.
Firefighters will undergo in-depth training with EVIE’s new technology, before the truck is gradually introduced to service early next year.
EVIE will begin service by shadowing other fire appliances responding to incidents, to fully test the truck’s capabilities. The vehicle will be thoroughly evaluated prior to any further electric fire truck additions to FRV’s fleet.
The distinctive appearance of the truck speaks to its sustainability and connection to Country. The door of the pumper features artwork from Samantha Richards, a descendent from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung tribes through the Terrick family, entitled ‘Bunjil and Waa’.
