By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department has ordered an electric fire apparatus, which will be housed at the department’s first all-electric fire station.
Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., the maker of the apparatus, announced Wednesday that the truck is expected to be the first of its kind to operate in North Carolina and the Southeast.
The manufacturer stated in a news release that the apparatus will have “327 kilowatt-hours of proven automotive-grade batteries” and “will deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry.”
The apparatus maker said the Vector apparatus will be similar in design to the department’s current fleet of Smeal apparatus, which may help ease the transition to the new truck.
“We are honored to continue serving the Charlotte Fire Department, a longtime Smeal pumper and aerial customer,” said Chris Wade, Spartan director of sales. “Working with Fire Chief Reginald Johnson, Fleet Manager Capt. Josh Westbrooks and their teams, we are excited to partner with them on this electric fire truck and this future vision for the Queen City.”
The planned station and the truck are part of the city’s energy plan, which includes powering the fleet without carbon sources.
“The new 3-bay, 2-story firehouse, with more than 14,000 square feet, is situated on a three-acre site and is scheduled to start construction in the first quarter of 2024,” the department said in a Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteFireDept/videos/679003267076766/
Read next
‘Yesterday’s crazy is today’s obvious’: Electric apparatus in the fire service
Having seen the units in person, it’s time to address some common naysayer reactions