The South Bend Fire Department is partnering with the Tire Rack to host Rosenbauer America and the first concept electric fire truck.
The electric fire truck will be on display at the Tire Rack headquarters on Friday, March 13 at 12:30 PM. The headquarters is located at 7101 Vorden Parkway in South Bend, just west of the bypass.
“The concept of an electric fire truck could potentially be a great future addition to our LEED Fire Station-4 on Olive Street and Station-9 on Mishawaka Avenue,” said South Bend Fire Chief Todd Skwarcan.
“We appreciate Rosenbauer for adding South Bend as one of the stops as this vehicle travels across the United States. South Bend Fire is unique by utilizing the framework of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the EFT can make a significant transition in the future for operating fire engines and reducing our carbon footprint within our community,” Skwarcan added.
The EFT is a fully electric fire truck capable of running on battery for two hours before needing to recharge. It is also equipped with a diesel range extender and a 1,200-liter water tank. It can reach speeds of approximately 70 miles per hour.
The electric fire truck will be available to view between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Crews will be onsite to provide a demonstration on the Tire Rack test track. Local and state officials will also be on hand to witness the capabilities of the vehicle.
Rosenbauer describes itself as the world’s largest fire truck and equipment manufacturer. The company was founded in 1866 and headquartered in Austria. Finally, as for the EFT, it will cost about $1.2 million.
