The city of Boulder, Colorado, has taken a bold step towards a more sustainable future by becoming the first in the US state to purchase an all-electric fire engine. The Rosenbauer RTX fire engine, equipped with a diesel range extender, is set to arrive in late 2024 or early 2025, with an estimated cost of $1.78 million.
The move comes as part of Boulder’s ongoing commitment to tackling climate change and promoting eco-friendly solutions. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde praised the purchase as “a tremendous step forward for our community and yet another example of Boulder’s leadership in addressing climate change.
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Designed to meet the needs of a diverse firefighting workforce, the Rosenbauer RTX boasts an impressive 360 kW peak, dual electric motor, and all-wheel drive. Its two Volvo Penta batteries offer a capacity of 132 kWh, while adjustable suspension and all-wheel steering enhance manoeuvrability on the road.
But the benefits of the all-electric fire engine extend far beyond performance. The RTX was also designed with the health and wellbeing of firefighters in mind, offering reduced exposure to carcinogenic fumes and a significant reduction in operational noise.
Boulder’s purchase of the Rosenbauer RTX follows in the footsteps of European cities such as Basel and Berlin, which have already embraced the all-electric fire truck. In the US, the Los Angeles Fire Department purchased an electric fire engine from Rosenbauer in 2021, and the Saint Paul Fire Department signed an order form in March.
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As more cities and communities seek to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability, the purchase of all-electric emergency response vehicles like the Rosenbauer RTX is a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future.