It’s a surprising twist in the world of emergency services: German firefighters, known for their unwavering trust in diesel power, have completely switched gears. They traded their old gas-guzzling trucks for electric models. The change has brought nothing but good things, and now they wouldn’t go back even if they could.
From Doubt to Trust
Imagine the scene at the Garching campus fire station of the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The idea of swapping reliable diesel trucks for electric ones came up. People probably scratched their heads. “We cannot rely on experiments in an emergency,” was a phrase often heard, according to the university itself. This reflects the deep concerns everyone shared.
Giving up the known reliability of diesel for a technology many didn’t fully understand felt risky. Big worries centered on how long it would take to charge the batteries. People also questioned how dependable the electric vehicles would be in action. Safety during operations was another major concern for the team. Today, almost all those fears are gone. Any remaining worries are covered by a solid backup plan.
Range Is Not an Issue
A year into the change, everyone at the station is happy. Their new trucks pack a 66 kWh battery. Electric motors provide a strong 490 horsepower. There’s also a clever addition: a range extender. This booster runs on a 301 horsepower inline six-cylinder diesel engine.
Technically, these fire trucks hold 2,000 liters of water. They also carry 125 liters of fire-stopping foam. They can drive through water half a meter deep. These features match what you’d find in a traditional diesel model. In essence, these are extended-range electric vehicles. The diesel engine only kicks in as an emergency power source.
This setup is common in China and appears in cars from brands like Hyundai and Mazda. For a fire truck, the real benefit isn’t just how far it can drive on a single charge. It’s about handling many calls in a row without needing to stop and recharge. Data shows the diesel engine only had to power the water pump in 3% of operations. Even then, the battery lasted for half an hour of constant use before the thermal engine was needed. The firefighters noted, “In more than 97% of operations, it’s not necessary.”
Improved Safety and Communication
With the range obstacle removed, firefighters are thrilled with their new rides. The quiet electric motors mean no more roaring diesel engines. This silence makes it much easier for them to talk to each other. Communication has improved greatly, whether face-to-face or over the radio.
The fire department explained, “We can communicate much better among ourselves, which is great. We also understand the radio and colleagues without problems, avoiding repeated questions. It’s a great gain in safety and comfort.”
A New Standard for Emergency Vehicles
For this fire department, their journey shows that electric power works well for emergency services. They’re setting an example. They hope other departments will see their success and follow suit. The team regularly gets questions from others wanting to learn about their experience.