Virginia's First Electric Fire Truck Debut

• Two Volvo Penta Batteries totaling 132 kWh of power
• Two Electric Motors provide 360 kW (490 hp) peak / 260 kW continuous

• 3.0 Liter 300 HP 6 Cylinder BMW Clean Diesel Engine​​

Rosenbauer RTX Electric Fire Truck. Credit: Rosenbauer

As the electrification of municipal fleets gains traction, one of the first electric fire trucks to be introduced in the United States has debuted at the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Rosenbauer's RTX fire truck breaks new ground with its compact design, measuring only 92.5 inches wide while maintaining interior space. This allows emergency crews to reach their destination quickly and reliably, even on narrow streets. With two electric motors, the truck accelerates exceptionally well, especially in heavy traffic. While the drive design, with a low center of gravity and balanced axle load distribution, improves handling stability and reduces accident risk. Furthermore, the new wheel suspension system provides a larger steering angle, significantly reducing the turning radius, especially in all-wheel drive mode.

The RTX fire truck provides ergonomic and tactical advantages that minimize physical strain on emergency crews and maximize operational success. The vehicle's driveshaft-free concept allows equipment compartments to extend downward, reducing crew fatigue. The body can also be lowered to a 10-inch entry height. Numerous assistance systems, including electronic rearview mirrors, rear camera, and automatic object recognition, keep the crew safe in difficult situations. The rotatable commander seats and oval seating arrangement improve cab communication, while powerful LED strips provide shadowless illumination and eliminate the need for a light tower.

The RTX fire truck boasts two electric motors that produce a total output of 490 hp and a 150 kW charging rate. This enables flexible charging and fast battery recharging, resulting in zero local emissions on the road. Regenerative braking reduces brake wear and eliminates fine dust particles, benefiting urban environments. With its automatic engine shutdown and battery-powered lighting and equipment, the RTX reduces noise levels and improves air quality. The 3.0 Liter 300 HP 6 Cylinder BMW Clean Diesel Engine​​ combined with an electric motor serves as a power generator, providing extra energy for longer operations and external devices if the batteries are low.

To minimize errors during emergencies, the RTX fire truck employs a simplified and consistent operating concept. It serves as the hub of its own communication system, featuring autonomous Wi-Fi, drone integration, and a direct link to the operations center and EMEREC data center. With the optional RDS Connected Command System, emergency crews can receive continuous data, including incident reports, building plans, and camera images through a central deployment screen. Touchscreens and customizable actuation buttons provide intuitive and easy-to-use controls throughout the RX's design.

The introduction of the RTX electric fire truck by Rosenbauer marks a significant milestone in the electrification of municipal fleets. The innovative design and technology of the RTX fire truck provide both tactical and ergonomic advantages to emergency crews, while also reducing environmental impact. With its compact size and exceptional performance, the RTX is poised to revolutionize the way fire trucks are designed and operated. As more cities and municipalities explore the benefits of electrifying their fleets, the RTX serves as an inspiration for the future of firefighting vehicles.