The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is proud to have led the nation as the first jurisdiction in Australia to commence the transition to electric emergency vehicles. This bold step reflects our commitment to health and wellbeing, innovation, sustainability, and meeting the ACT Government’s emissions reduction targets.

There are two electric vehicles in the ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) fleet, both the first of their kind in the southern-hemisphere – the Electric Fire Truck and Zero-Emissions Electric Breathing (BA) Apparatus Truck.

The introduction of new technology into frontline emergency services is a complex but necessary evolution. We remain confident that electric vehicles are the right direction for the future of emergency response. 

Electric Fire Truck timeline

Since late 2024, the Rosenbauer electric pumper has been responding to incidents in the ACT community, including automatic fire alarms, motor vehicle incidents, HAZMAT incidents, grass fires, and structure fires.   

The vehicle’s rollout followed a rigorous four-phase process designed to ensure safety, reliability, and operational readiness: 

Commissioning  Phase

The commissioning phase laid the groundwork for deployment, focusing on:  

• Homologation: Ensuring the vehicle met all federal and ACT regulatory and safety standards, noting it was the first of its kind in Australia. All new vehicles imported into Australia must undergo a homologation process to ensure they meet strict Australian Standards.  
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Training: Equipping key personnel with the knowledge to operate and train others on the new technology.  
• Manual Development: Creating comprehensive operating manuals and training materials to support ongoing education and safe operation in the ACTF&R context. 

Training  Phase

During this phase, 80% of ACTF&R personnel were trained to operate the electric pumper, ensuring widespread readiness and safety across the service. 

Shadowing phase

In response to the single recommendation from the ACT Auditor-General's report, the shadowing phase was implemented to “formally assess and confirm that the electric fire truck meets the needs of the ESA as an urban pumper in the territory”. During this period, the truck responded to 55 incidents, validating its capability in real-world conditions prior to full deployment. 

Operational phase

The electric pumper became fully operational in March 2025, responding to an additional 189 incidents before being temporarily withdrawn from service in May due to a battery pack issue. ESA’s technical team is working closely with Rosenbauer to resolve the matter and return the vehicle to active duty. New batteries are being shipped from Europe and will be installed by Rosenbauer technicians under warranty as soon as they arrive. 

Learn more about the electric fire truck

ACTF&R Electric Breathing Apparatus (BA) Truck Update

Current status

The Volvo electric Breathing Apparatus truck has been handed over to ACTF&R who will conduct a period of familiarisation and commissioning before introducing it into operations.

Vehicle arrival and intermittent issue

The vehicle arrived in the ACT in November 2023.

Shortly after the arrival, ESA observed an intermittent issue where the 24v battery system was being depleted. This fault has no relevance with the vehicle being electric and can be experienced by a conventional vehicle.

In March 2025, ESA and Volvo isolated the fault to a lighting controller in the body build that was depleting the 24v battery system and the issue was rectified. The vehicle is now operating normally.

Learn more about the Zero-emission BA truck