As fire departments across the world consider procuring an electric fire truck, many are curious about how other departments have navigated the process of ‘going electric.’

In fall of 2023, the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department added a Pierce® Volterra™ electric fire truck to its fleet in one of the community’s busiest fire stations. The department responds to a variety of emergency scenarios, from medical service calls and hazmat, to structure fires and rescue events.

After using the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck to run more than 1,000 service calls, what are the key thoughts, insights and lessons learned?

The leadership team at Gilbert Fire & Rescue spoke with Pierce representatives to offer insights on why they chose the Pierce Volterra EV, the truck’s key benefits and features, as well as advice the Assistant Fire Chief would offer to other fire departments considering electric fire apparatus.

Why Did the Department Choose An Electric Fire Truck?

Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s decision to pursue an electric fire truck was driven by a desire for innovation and improvement within their service delivery framework. Department leadership recognized the importance of staying ahead in the evolving sustainability landscape, aiming to enhance both their service delivery and the safety of their fire personnel.

This forward-thinking approach led them to identify two critical benefits of electrification directly linked to firefighter safety.

• Reduced firefighter exposure to emissions: Transitioning to a battery-powered vehicle significantly reduces diesel emission exposure. Diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen, and within the confines of a fire station, crews may start a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) apparatus 12-15 times daily. This frequent exposure poses a substantial health risk, one which Gilbert Fire & Rescue was keen to mitigate. By adopting electric vehicles, they could substantially reduce this risk, creating a healthier work environment.
• Reduced engine noise improves communication: Another compelling advantage of the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck is its notably lower noise level compared to traditional ICE vehicles. This reduction in noise pollution is not only about lessening auditory discomfort; it has practical implications for improving communication among crew members. Whether responding to calls or operating on the scene next to the apparatus, especially at the pump panel, the ability to communicate effectively without straining over engine noise represents a significant operational benefit. Improved communication can lead to more efficient and safer responses to emergencies, further enhancing the overall safety and effectiveness of fire service operations.

By addressing the direct health risks associated with diesel emissions and improving on-scene communication through reduced noise levels, Gilbert Fire & Rescue aims not only to keep pace with industry changes but to set a new standard for fire service operations in the modern era.

What Are the Electric Fire Truck’s Key Features?

Gilbert Fire & Rescue applied their standard pumper specification as a baseline to ensure the new Pierce Volterra electric fire truck would seamlessly integrate into their operations without compromising on key functional, reliability and safety aspects.

Along with its innovative electric powertrain, what makes the Pierce Volterra stand out is its remarkable resemblance to a traditional Pierce Manufacturing fire truck. In fact, distinguishing between the Pierce Volterra and its conventional counterparts is a challenge. This design choice was deliberate, aiming to maintain familiarity for the firefighters and ease the transition to electric vehicles.

Apparatus design consistency and familiarity allows firefighters to work efficiently across different units in the fleet, knowing precisely how each component functions and where tools are located.

“Other available electric fire truck options didn’t feel like a traditional North American fire truck,” stated Cory Gerard, Assistant Fire Chief at Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department. “For any tool to be successful, the crews who use it have to be familiar with it and understand how to use it effectively.”

Standardization, both in parts and setup, was also a key consideration from a maintenance perspective.

Notable features of Gilbert’s Pierce Volterra pumper include:

• Preconnected Hose Lines: These are strategically placed off the front, mid-ship, and rear of the truck, allowing firefighters to efficiently deploy handlines to mitigate hazards. This strategic positioning enhances operational efficiency and safety during emergency responses.
• Ergonomic Hosebed Design: There was a significant focus on optimizing the height of hosebeds to eliminate the need for firefighters to step on/off the truck or bend over to pick up hoses. This ergonomic consideration helps reduce the risk of injury and speeds up the deployment of hoses during critical moments.
• Cab Design Focused on Functionality and Safety: The interior surfaces of the cab are designed to be easily decontaminated, accommodating scenarios where the crew might be exposed to biohazards, bloodborne pathogens or soot from structure fires. Ensuring all materials within the cab can be effectively wiped down or hosed off without gathering contaminants was a priority, promoting a healthier work environment for the firefighters.
• Streamlined Storage for Quick and Safe Tool Deployment: The arrangement and accessibility of equipment storage were planned to make the deployment of tools quick and safe for firefighters. This organized setup contributes to the overall effectiveness and safety of the crew during operations.

This thoughtful integration of traditional features with innovative technology underscores Gilbert Fire & Rescue's commitment to advancing their service capability in a manner which prioritizes both the safety of their personnel and environmental responsibility.

How does electric fire truck and pump performance compare to a traditional truck and pump? This Q+A reviews the details.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue Pierce Volterra Quick Facts

Training is the Key to Electric Vehicle Integration

Recognizing change can challenge what is known, trusted, and proven effective, the department placed a strong emphasis on training its crews on electric apparatus operation and functionality.

By engaging with firefighters early on—before the truck was even put into service—the department aimed to foster organizational support and smooth over the transition, minimizing disruptions.

Within a month of its introduction, the results were telling.

Members of the department who initially had reservations about electric vehicles began to see the electric fire truck in a new light. The quiet operation during pumping became a point of appreciation, particularly among engineers who were accustomed to the loud environments of diesel pumpers. This feature, along with reduced exposure to diesel emissions in the bay, contributed to a broader acceptance and interest in the truck.

The Pierce Volterra EV’s seamless integration into daily operations, mirroring the start-up and operational procedures of traditional pumpers, played a significant role in breaking down barriers of acceptance.

What Facts Should Other Fire Departments Know?

With the procurement of any new fire apparatus, there is often additional training, operations and maintenance planning required.

“Integrating an electric fire truck to an existing fleet does come with challenges,” stated Chief Gerard. “Planning ahead and knowing the requirements of charging and maintenance are two key considerations.”

Here are the lessons learned:

• Know the charging infrastructure requirements and what is possible within your fire stations. A fully electric fire engine requires charging infrastructure to power the battery. Working with Pierce and your local utility in the early planning stages is critical to ensure the station can house the necessary charging infrastructure and the utility can appropriately fulfill the power requirements.
  
  
• Participate in maintenance training and plan routine maintenance with your local dealer to improve fire truck uptime. While much of the routine maintenance on an electric fire truck mirrors that of traditional Pierce apparatus, performing maintenance on the electric components and battery system does require specialized training. If you plan to perform maintenance, be sure to participate in the training programs. For routine maintenance, plan ahead with your local Pierce dealer to understand the requirements and downtime.

“Pierce’s network of dealers across North America does offer electric fire truck maintenance services, but planning ahead is critical to reduce downtime,” said the fire chief. “In scenarios where you can’t plan ahead, your station must be prepared to manage truck downtime effectively, whether it’s an electric or traditional apparatus.”

Can firefighters perform routine maintenance on trucks with high-voltage power? We answer this question and more in this Q+A with our engineering team.

Pierce Volterra Electric Fire Apparatus: A Distinct Difference

The Pierce Volterra electric fire truck combines reliable and consistent power with the advantages of electrification. This innovative fire truck is engineered to deliver optimal performance and robust firefighting capabilities across all modes of operation, ensuring fire departments have a versatile and efficient solution.

Whether you are driving or pumping, the operational benefits of the Pierce Volterra parallel-electric drivetrain mean firefighters can have confidence in both performance and safety.

Learn more about electric fire trucks, the Pierce Volterra platform of electrified vehicles or contact your local dealer today to hear more about why our power solution stands out from the competition.