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Fire Rescue Victoria Leading the Charge – Electric Firefighting Power, Faster Response
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) undertook a comprehensive evaluation of battery electric firefighting appliance technology through the Concept Electric Pumper (EVIE) project. While originally initiated to support the organisation's transition and ambition to become Australia's first net zero fire service, the project evolved into a multidisciplinary research program examining whether battery electric technology could enhance frontline emergency response while delivering environmental and organisational benefits.
The research was designed to provide an evidence base on the operational suitability of battery electric fire appliances under Australian emergency response conditions. A comprehensive evaluation framework combined quantitative operational data with qualitative firefighter feedback to assess vehicle performance, response capability, ergonomics, energy consumption, infrastructure requirements, training, environmental impacts and economic outcomes. Real world operational performance was evaluated through parallel responses alongside conventional diesel appliances, supported by controlled comparative testing and independent economic analysis. As the first Australian report to comprehensively evaluate a frontline battery electric firefighting appliance, this research provides an evidence base to inform future emergency service fleet transition.
Beyond vehicle performance, the study examines the organisational, operational and implementation considerations associated with integrating battery electric technology into frontline emergency response, providing practical insights for agencies planning future fleet modernisation. This presentation will discuss the research methodology, key findings and lessons learned from Australia's first evaluation of a frontline battery electric firefighting appliance. The outcomes contribute to the growing international evidence-base supporting emergency service fleet decarbonisation and demonstrate how research can inform future fleet procurement, operational capability and climate adaptation strategies across the emergency services sector.
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