The vehicle, based on a Volvo FM chassis and locally produced on Hisingen, will be used for alarms in the same way as previous hook-lift vehicles but is fully electric and charged at the station between call-outs. According to RSG, the electric drive reduces emissions compared to traditional diesel vehicles and improves the working environment with lower noise levels. The vehicle's range is approximately 250 kilometers, depending on temperature, weather, and season. It lacks traditional side mirrors and instead uses cameras to provide visibility around the entire vehicle.
The vehicle will be part of a two-year project at RSG to collect and evaluate experiences from daily operational use. Personnel at Gårda fire station and workshop staff will undergo training on the vehicle to ensure safe handling. Operations strategist Torbjörn Petersson said: "This is an important step for the future. We want to investigate how a fully electric emergency vehicle works in real operations." Operations manager John Stensson noted the quieter cab improves the working environment, but added that the batteries take up space and affect how equipment is planned and loaded.
This is an important step for the future. We want to investigate how a fully electric emergency vehicle works in real operations and what opportunities the technology can provide for RSG going forward.
There is a big difference in noise level. It becomes quieter in the cab, which creates a better working environment for the staff during both driving and emergency response.
We have to think a little differently. The batteries take up a lot of space and affect how we plan and load equipment. At the same time, the vehicle has the same functions as our previous hook-lift vehicles and should work fully in operational service.
This will be an important test for us. The firefighters will use the vehicle in real situations and we will quickly get a clear picture of how the technology works in everyday life.