Eugene Springfield Fire is regularly looking for ways to reduce its carbon emissions. A possible option the department is considering is the addition of an electric fire truck. Electric fire trucks are still an emerging technology, and a recent demonstration will help the department assess the vehicle for themselves.
While the upfront purchase cost is projected to be similar to a traditional diesel truck, the operating costs are estimated to be much lower. The vehicle demonstrated in Eugene will not be available for purchase for another year or two. Though the fire truck is electric, it uses diesel to fuel the generator for its backup battery, which can run for about eight hours. If the engine is still at a fire scene after eight hours, more diesel can be added to keep the backup power supply running.
Eugene Springfield Fire continues to be a national climate leader, completing their department’s climate action plan in 2018. The department revised fire dispatch protocols to increase fuel efficiency, and is investigating upgrading older trucks with newer, more efficient models.