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Emergency One launches world’s first fully electric fire engine
Emergency One – a Cumnock-based manufacturer of fire engines and specialist firefighting appliances – has launched the world’s first fully electric fire engine.
The E1 Ev0 can complete 200 miles on one full charge, with 4 hours pumping duration. The zero emissions vehicle is capable of a 100% rapid charge in just under 2 hours, with optional onboard smart charging for increased capability. The vehicle also comes equipped with features including regenerative braking, a modular storage system and solar panels.
To allow easy integration into existing fleets, the vehicle carries the same pump setup and offers similar controls to those seen in traditional firefighting appliances in the UK.
With a water tank capacity of 1750 litres, the appliance can match the water output of any diesel with the same pump setup, with significantly faster pump response times. Noise levels are also largely reduced, allowing enhanced communication between crew during an incident.
Emergency One has launched the world’s first fully electric fire engine / Picture: Emergency One
Emergency One worked with user groups, fire and rescue services around the world, firefighters, key partners and the wider EV sector to develop the vehicle, which also includes a range of improved safety features, including clean cab filtration systems that addresses the health issue of residual particulates.
One of the lead engineers on the project, Iain Carr, said: “The evaluation process involved speaking with experts in the field within several universities and industry leaders. From here we entered a technology assessment phase where we looked at the options across industry that could be combined to give the best possible solution. Our final solution is the culmination of that work and the best possible solution we could have reached in the global EV advance.”
Mike Madsen, managing director at Emergency One Group, said: “We are excited to unveil our E1 Ev0 – the world’s first all-electric pumping appliance, and our innovative contribution towards a low-carbon economy. We look forward to seeing the reaction from our customer base and the wider public.”
Linda Hanna, managing director at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Emergency One is a fantastic example of a Scottish manufacturer with export ambitions. We want to inspire more businesses to explore innovation, sustainability and exporting because we know this will help both their business recovery and Scotland’s green economic recovery. Scottish Enterprise is proud to have worked with this company over many years and to have supported this project to create the world’s first net zero fire engine, built in Cumnock, that will not only save lives in the role it will serve, but also contribute to Scotland’s wider low carbon targets.”
Emergency One employs more than 200 people at its factory in Cumnock, Scotland / Picture: Emergency One