- Austria-based firefighting equipment provider, Rosenbauer, has opened the order books on its new all-electric fire truck, the PANTHER 6×6 Electric.
- Designed specifically for use in aviation settings, this new electric truck could prove to be a popular choice with airports, particularly those looking to achieve zero-emission ground fleets.
- The first deliveries of PANTHER 6×6 Electrics should arrive by the end of 2025.
Another tool for decarbonising airport ground operations
This electric airport-designated firetruck is heavily based on the existing ICE-powered Panther, which gives it an already proven track record for its firefighting and rescue capability in airport settings, but while offering faster acceleration and a higher top speed than conventional ICE aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles – in other terms, that’s a top speed of around 75mph.
Roseanbauer hasn’t divulged the driving range of the electric PANTHER, but did note that ‘several’ emergency missions could be undertaken ‘several times at top speed for 2 to 3 minutes’, on a single charge of the battery. It’ll be capable of DC fast charging at a maximum speed of 300kW, helping fully recharge the vehicle in around 45 minutes. Those batteries aren’t just there to cover the driving motors, but also all the equipment and associated water pumping required once the vehicle arrives at an incident. As extra reassurance, Rosenbauer has fitted a backup energy generator, but believes its clients will be able to carry out 90% of its daily operations in fully electric mode – significantly reducing CO2 emissions of the fleet.
Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer of Rosenbauer International, commented:
“With the PANTHER 6×6 electric, we want to once again set the standard in a product category by combining a powerful, fully electric drive with the highest safety standards in its class. This innovation not only contributes to the net-zero goals of many airports but also meets the high expectations of our customers in terms of performance”.
In other parts of airports across the world, buses are another major ground vehicle that many are beginning to switch to fully-electric options. Most recently, we saw both Amsterdam Schiphol and Munich airport each place significant orders for electric buses from MAN.
