New energy vehicles (NEVs) refer to vehicles that do not rely on traditional gasoline or diesel engines but instead use innovative technologies and structures. Based on different power sources, NEVs are generally classified into four major categories:
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
Other New Energy Vehicles (e.g., natural gas-powered, solar-powered, etc.)
With the push for global carbon neutrality and green energy transformation, new energy technologies are rapidly penetrating specialized vehicle sectors. As a key component of urban emergency response, fire trucks are also accelerating their transition toward electrification and sustainability.
2. Global Development of New Energy Fire Trucks
Several well-known fire truck manufacturers have already launched operational new energy fire trucks, leading the way in technological innovation:
Pierce Manufacturing (USA) launched the Volterra™ hybrid electric fire truck
Magirus (Germany) introduced a natural gas fire engine
Rosenbauer (Austria) developed multiple electric fire engines and hybrid models
In China, companies such as Zoomlion have also developed prototype electric firetrucks, although publicly documented field deployment remains limited.
According to incomplete statistics, there are currently around 12 representative models of new energy firetrucks globally. By type, hybrid electric fire trucks dominate the market, followed by battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and natural gas-powered variants.
3. Representative Types of New Energy Fire Trucks
1. Battery Electric Fire Trucks (BEVs)
All-Wheel Drive Electric Airport Fire Truck Jointly developed by Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Tsinghua University, and YONGAN, this electric fire truck features full-time electric all-wheel drive, designed for rapid response and strict environmental standards in airport rescue missions.
2. Hybrid Electric Fire Trucks (HEVs)
Pierce Volterra™ (USA) This electric fire truck integrates an EMIVT (Electric Motor Infinite Variable Transmission) system, enabling seamless power switching between electric and internal combustion. It performs exceptionally well in both urban and rural firefighting scenarios.
3. Natural Gas-Powered Fire Trucks
MAGIRUS (H)LF 10 iDL (Germany) Launched in 2019, this model is the world’s first certified natural gas-powered fire engine. Equipped with a hydrogen-electric hybrid generator and battery-powered auxiliary systems (such as fans and rescue tools), it significantly reduces carbon emissions during operation.
4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Rescue Trucks
H2@Rescue Emergency Response Vehicle (USA) Co-developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and Cummins' Accelera division, this hydrogen fuel cell/electric fire engine provides up to 25kW of continuous power for 72 hours—ideal for large-scale disaster response and off-grid rescue operations.
4. Key Advantages of New Energy Fire Trucks
1. Outstanding Environmental Performance
Fuel cell fire engines emit only water as a byproduct, offering zero-emission operation
Hybrid fire trucks operate in pure electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions, and only emit when the engine is activated
Pure electric fire trucks produce almost no emissions during operation, greatly improving urban air quality
2. Superior Power Response
Electric motors deliver high torque instantly, ensuring rapid acceleration and smooth takeoff
Linear and stable power output enhances vehicle control and reliability—critical for emergency and off-road conditions
5. Future Outlook
As new energy technologies evolve and global carbon reduction policies intensify, the development of electric fire trucks, hybrid fire engines, and hydrogen-powered firetrucks will accelerate.
Key trends include:
Hybrid and battery electric fire trucks will continue to dominate new fire truck deployments
Hydrogen fuel cell fire trucks will play an important role in high-demand, long-duration rescue missions
Integration of smart technologies and modular systems with new energy platforms will drive future innovation
Chinese fire truck manufacturers are encouraged to invest further in R&D and field trials, enhancing the industrialization and practical application of domestic electric fire engine solutions.
