Volvo Penta has developed an electric driveline for the fire service vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer’s pioneering fire truck, called “Revolutionary Technology” (RT)
The truck, which features groundbreaking drive technology, vehicle architecture, operability and connectivity, was officially launched at an event in Austria. The RTs will now be sent to fire departments in Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai to begin real-world customer testing.
By moving away from conventional commercial vehicle concepts and developing an electrical solution for the truck’s driveline, Volvo Penta and its customer Rosenbauer have introduced a completely new vehicle architecture to transform the fire service industry.
With its electric driveline, the fire truck boasts excellent ergonomics, functionality and safety, as well as high loading volumes, compact dimensions and unique agility. The Volvo Penta electric driveline also brings benefits such as zero exhaust emissions and significantly lower noise levels.
Paul Jansson, chief project manager at Volvo Penta, said, “Our two teams worked closely together during the development process, and the result is an industry-leading truck that will help fire departments around the world improve safety and functionality, as well as reduce emissions and fuel costs.”
Firefighters responding to a call need a vehicle capable of high speed, rapid acceleration, hard braking and manoeuvrability. Combined with independent suspension and a hydropneumatic chassis, the RT’s electric driveline delivers a high standard of safety and excellent driving performance, the company stated.
The Volvo Penta-powered RT features two electric motors that have the potential to deliver a total output of up to 360 kW (490 HP) and up to 50,000 Nm for all wheels. The truck’s energy storage system allows for an electricity-powered journey with ample time for operation at the rescue location. In addition, there is a backup diesel engine onboard, providing sufficient energy supply should the journey or operation take longer.
