Madison tests electric fire truck
An electric fire truck is making its home at Fire Station 8 on Lien Road in Madison. The City of Madison Fire Department is taking part in a pilot program to try out the plug-in hybrid fire truck and determine if it meets the department’s needs.
Built in Wisconsin by Pierce Manufacturing, the Volterra zero-emission pumper truck reduces fuel consumption and cuts down on noise. The truck can carry 500 gallons of water and houses a pump capable of shooting 1,500 gallons a minute. It is the first of its kind in North America. The fire truck has been in service in Madison since May 21.
“The truck has gone on more than 300 calls, averaging about 15 per day,” explained Madison Fire Chief Steven Davis. “Its performance to date has been excellent.”
Pierce worked with the Madison Fire Department during development, reviewing engine data over a 24-hour duty cycle and designing a battery system around those demands. The truck is powered by a 155-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which sufficiently meets the City’s daily duty cycle. The electric pumper truck allows for sustainable operation without compromising performance.
“Anything we can do to reduce our carbon footprint is critical,” Chief Davis said. “The electrification of transportation is a key strategy that will help us achieve the City of Madison’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.”
Pierce plans to collect two years of performance information from the prototype. They monitor several data points daily while continuing with evaluation, final development and on-highway certification processes. Pierce hopes to have the truck in production in 2023.
“Looking to the future, we are confident we will see this technology on all of our vehicles, including ladder trucks,” Chief Davis said. “This undoubtedly will be a game changer in the fire service industry.”
MGE provided a DC Fast Charger at Fire Station 8 to support the project.
“We have worked closely with the Fire Department throughout this process to help ensure the new truck is charged and ready to respond to serve our community during emergencies,” said MGE Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler. “This project is one of the ways MGE partners with the City to advance sustainability across our community for the benefit of everyone who calls the Madison area their home.”