Transforming Firefighting: The Shift from Diesel to Electric Trucks at TUM
“We cannot trust experiments in an emergency.” This sentiment echoed throughout the fire department of the Garching Campus at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) as they deliberated over the pivotal decision to replace their traditional diesel trucks with electric ones. This apprehension was widely reported, with firefighters voicing significant hesitations about changing to a technology that they weren’t fully acquainted with. According to the University, these concerns were felt deeply by their firefighters during internal surveys. The primary worries centered around issues such as truck reliability , load times, and safety during operations.
However, opinions have transformed since then, as these initial fears have mostly dissipated. The change has resulted in positive outcomes for TUM’s firefighting team. In fact, as of a year later, the concerns have been largely addressed, with firefighters now embracing the electric trucks as reliable vehicles. The transition has notably diminished their previous doubts regarding load times and operational safety.
Autonomy and Performance: No More Problems
One year into the switch, the team is reporting high satisfaction levels with their new operational setup. The Fire Park is now equipped with trucks powered by 66 kWh capacity batteries and 490 hp electric motors. The trucks incorporate a clever solution: a diesel generator that functions as an autonomy extender, producing an additional 301 hp when needed. With a 2000-liter water tank and a 125-liter Igniphuga foam tank , these electric trucks offer substantial firefighting capabilities.
Despite being labeled as “electric,” these trucks do not compromise on functionality. They mirror traditional diesel trucks in their technical specifications, showcasing that switching to electric doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. The diesel generator is ingeniously used as a backup system, ensuring that the trucks can operate seamlessly under various conditions.
These extended-range vehicles are designed primarily for electric use, with the diesel engine serving as a fail-safe option. The combustion engine works in tandem with the electric motors, serving to recharge the battery during extensive operations. According to reports, only 3% of their interventions necessitate activating the diesel engine to supply energy to the water pump. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the electric batteries suffice, illustrating that fears regarding limited battery life are largely unfounded.
Enhancing Communication and Efficiency
With these initial challenges overcome, the fire team has reported undeniably positive experiences with the electric vehicles. One pivotal improvement they have noted is the reduced engine noise, which greatly enhances communication among team members. Firefighters can now converse more effectively, both with one another and over radios, facilitating improved operations during critical incidents.
“This allows us to communicate much better among us,” a firefighter noted. “When there’s less noise, we can understand radio communications clearly, enhancing overall safety and comfort.” With enhanced communication comes the potential for more effective teamwork, further emphasizing the benefits of modernizing their fleet.
Officials from the fire department have expressed optimism, noting, “Our experience demonstrates that electric mobility is viable for fire departments. We hope that many others follow our lead.” The interest from other departments seeking insights on their experiences indicates a broader trend towards adopting electric technologies in emergency services.
The future looks promising for TUM’s fire department, with plans underway to install solar panels to recharge their trucks. This initiative underscores their commitment to sustainability while ensuring they are prepared for any emergency they may face.
Photo sources: Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Jai Heike