The Hamburg Fire Department has received an electric rescue fire engine from Rosenbauer, the Austrian firefighting equipment manufacturer, marking a step toward more sustainable emergency response operations. The vehicle, known as the eHLF 20, features an electric drivetrain with a range extender and is designed to handle a variety of firefighting and rescue scenarios.
“With the procurement of our all-electric emergency vehicles, we are breaking new ground in firefighting and rescue services and are thus setting an example for an even more powerful and sustainable Hamburg Fire Department,” said Jörg Sauermann, Head of the Hamburg Fire Department.
See also: Epiroc Secures Order from Hudbay Minerals for Battery Electric Mining Fleet in Canada
The eHLF 20 is configured to carry the same loadout as a conventionally powered HLF 20, including a 1,600-litre integrated water tank and up to 120 litres of foam compound. This allows firefighters to begin operations immediately before connecting to a hydrant. Rosenbauer previously delivered a similar vehicle, branded as the eLHF, to the Berlin Fire Department in 2020.
The Rosenbauer RT (short for Revolutionary Technology) is powered by two electric motors generating a combined 350 kW, supported by a 100 kWh high-voltage battery. A BMW-sourced three-litre inline-six diesel engine serves as a range extender. The system includes four electric drives from Volvo Penta, with one unit dedicated to powering firefighting equipment.
See also: Scania Expands Electric Bus Lineup with New E-Machine and Battery Options
The Hamburg Fire Department requested modifications to adapt the vehicle to specific operational requirements, including a height-adjustable chassis that enables water crossings up to 800 millimetres deep. This feature is intended for use in flood-prone areas, particularly in the city’s harbour district.
“This capability is not a standard model feature but was made possible through specific vehicle modifications at the customer’s request,” Rosenbauer stated.
The vehicle is 2.35 metres wide, aided by a mirror replacement system with cameras. A rear-axle steering system and a 4.10-metre wheelbase contribute to its maneuverability in dense urban environments. The cab is designed to accommodate both the driver and crew, aligning with Hamburg’s operational needs.
See also: Hyundai Unveils HX19e, Its First Production Electric Excavator
“We are proud of this special RT, which we developed together with the Hamburg Fire Department. Once again, it demonstrates the high adaptability of this innovative vehicle architecture to our customers’ specific operational needs. This makes it the fire truck of the future,” said Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International AG.
The Hamburg Fire Department began planning for the eHLF in 2021, with discussions at the Interschutz trade fair in 2022. The official commissioning of the vehicle took place in 2023. In addition to the new electric fire engine, the department has been integrating electric emergency vehicles into its fleet. Since March 2025, two electric ambulances and an electric rescue vehicle have been in service, while two electric command vehicles have been undergoing trial operations since June 2024.