ELECTRIC AND HYBRID APPARATUS
Electric and hybrid apparatus are moving from “future concept” to a practical option for municipalities focused on emissions, noise, and operating costs. Commercial Emergency Equipment is leading Canada’s charge toward emergency apparatus electrification, with field-proven solutions and the product knowledge to support real-world implementation. Hybrid and idle reduction technologies are also becoming more common as departments look for fuel savings and lower engine hours without changing how crews operate on scene. Pierce and Oshkosh Airport Products continue to push this space with platforms like the Volterra line, bringing electrification into frontline apparatus design. As Canada’s largest fire apparatus supplier, Commercial helps departments evaluate where electric, hybrid, or idle reduction makes sense, then supports the full lifecycle from planning and specification through delivery, training, and long-term service support.
PIERCE® VOLTERRA™ PLATFORM OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The Pierce Enforcer Volterra Electric Pumper utilizes a parallel-electric drivetrain which allows zero-emissions operation when powered by the integrated onboard batteries and can be coupled to the internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system for extended operations.
DRIVING
An Oshkosh patented parallel-electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission (EMIVT) allows zero-emissions operation when powered by the integrated onboard batteries. The chassis will operate under electric power in all normal operational situations and will leverage the internal combustion engine for backup power in extended emergency operations.
PUMPING
Standardized Pierce pumping configurations, up to 2000gpm are driven through the electric driveline and are powered by either the integrated onboard batteries or the internal combustion engine. The driveline allows for zero emissions during quick attack responses, and can transition seamlessly to internal combustion power for extended pumping operations.
CHARGING
A fire-station-based, all-encompassing vehicle charging infrastructure provides operational readiness. Charging solutions are tailored to provide an unobtrusive installation for any station. Established energy experts offer simple, fast charging solutions capable of full vehicle recharge in less than 90 minutes, as well as continued support throughout the life of the vehicle.
OSHKOSH® STRIKER® VOLTERRA® ELECTRIC ARFF
The Oshkosh® Striker® Volterra® Electric ARFF brings zero-emissions operation to the proven Striker platform without compromising the ergonomics, visibility, safety or manoeuvrability crews rely on. Its onboard batteries support normal EV driving—including station entry and exit—with up to 70 km (44 miles) of electric range. In standby, the batteries can power cab climate, lighting, communications and other vehicle systems for more than six hours, reducing diesel exhaust, noise, fuel use and engine idling in the fire hall and during airport operations.
Patented powertrain energy management and an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission automatically balance electric and engine power to maintain readiness and provide uninterrupted response and pumping performance when required. The fully loaded Striker Volterra reaches 80 km/h (50 mph) in 25 seconds—28% faster than a conventional ARFF model—while regenerative braking recovers energy and reduces brake wear. Battery-powered pump-and-roll, extended stationary pumping and compliance with NFPA 414 and ICAO standards preserve the capability departments expect from the Striker platform.
PIERCE IDLE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Pierce Idle Reduction Technology pairs high-performance lithium-ion batteries with automatic diesel engine controls to power NFPA 1901 required devices, user-defined mission critical on-scene loads, and HVAC climate control with the main chassis engine shut down. Pierce IRT provides one hour of zero-emissions run time at 150 amps and is available on new apparatus.
- Lithium-ion batteries for performance, lead-acid batteries for vehicle startup, Pierce Command Zone Multiplexed Electrical System for control.
- Touchscreen Display – Command Zone required to activate or deactivate system.
- Battery Charging via chassis while operating or dedicated 30-amp power drop at the station.
- Safety Interlocks to prevent unwanted activation.
- Numerous benefits and efficiencies including less engine wear, lower fuel and DEF usage, reduced soot buildup from idling, less frequent service intervals, lower total cost of ownership.
Reach out to our Apparatus Specialists today.
