Navistar’s Zero Emissions Team Helps Customer Onboard First eMV Fire Apparatus

International customers are creative when it comes to upfitting electric vehicles (EVs) for their needs, but Cambridge, Massachusetts Fire Department took that creativity to a whole new level with the deployment of International’s first eMV fire apparatus.

Firetrucks and engines are unique vehicles, often carrying thousands of pounds of vital equipment, constantly running emergency calls and requiring upfits that vary with each individual department. Throw all of those needs into a truck that is often running more than it is at the station, and you are presented with a unique use case. So where can an EV fit into that equation?

Navistar’s Zero Emissions Customer Onboarding Manager Joe Jenkins had the opportunity to help train Cambridge Fire about and onboard their International eMV hazardous materials (hazmat) rescue truck upfit by Rosenbauer, a fire apparatus truck equipment manufacturer (TEM). Rescue apparatus are upfit for specific applications and rescue operations, such as water rescues or urban search and rescue.

“It was a unique situation because this truck was previously a Rosenbauer tradeshow vehicle,” stated Joe. “Multiple eMV’s were originally ordered by North Central International, and two ended up with Rosenbauer. The vehicle came to Cambridge Fire fully upfitted and ready to be deployed.”

Cambridge Fire’s Fleet Supervisor Dan Lopez stumbled upon the listing from Rosenbauer when looking to replace the department’s 25-year-old hazmat rescue truck for a much-needed upgrade.

“Hazmat rescue trucks are giant toolboxes with every type of equipment needed, from specialized suits to decontamination equipment,” said Dan. “Our city is full of biotech lab and many chemical labs at our major universities such as, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, and we often have to respond to incidents like chemical spills and exposure.”

Because Cambridge Fire’s new eMV rescue goes out as needed and does not run every call, it provides the perfect opportunity for an EV. The 6-square-mile fire district the department responds to also makes it ideal.

“We were not as scared to join the EV space as some people are,” said Dan. “Our fleet currently operates EV Ford pickup trucks and cars, so we were familiar with the process. The way Rosenbauer had the vehicle laid out was perfect for us, and we just added some extra lighting options.”

When the truck made it to Cambridge Fire, Joe traveled to train the primary parties involved in its operations. To test out their new apparatus, the Cambridge fire crew took it into Boston on July Fourth, a major celebration for the city. During its day out on the town, the crew used all the bells and whistles possible, never shutting off the EV. It returned to the station that night with 70% battery charge.

“We are looking forward to seeing how our new hazmat rescue works for us,” said Dan. “Rosenbauer may have another eMV fire apparatus coming up for sale soon, and we would like to look at using it to replace our dive rescue truck.”

“When the Zero Emissions team deploys EVs, we often invite local fire departments to come train with the vehicle and familiarize themselves with it to make sure they are not pulling up to a scene with no prior knowledge of EVs,” stated Joe. “It was fun to have a fire department as a customer for an EV this time.”

As EV technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, keep your eyes peeled. You never know if the fire apparatus that flies by you lights and sirens could be an eMV in action.