Clydesmill Community Fire Station in South Lanarkshire is gearing up to take delivery of the Scotland’s first electric powered fire appliance.
The decision was made following a survey of a number of potential Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sites that could host the powerful charging equipment for the vehicle.
Being close to the SFRS National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cambuslang and a brand new workshop that’s in development made Clydesmill the stand-out choice.
Station Commander Jim Snedden said: “The electric fire appliance is the first of its kind for the service and it’s really exciting that Clydesmill gets to be a part of this project.
“Upon arrival at the station, crews will undergo training with the vehicle to ensure a smooth integration into our operations as we work to protect the communities we serve.”
SFRS received £500,000 of funding from Transport Scotland to commission the electric appliance (E1 EV0™), which is currently in production at Emergency One in Ayrshire.
The vehicle has a range of approximately 220 miles with an 80% charge. It has a range extender for pumping water at emergencies as well as ensuring it can return safely to the fire station.
SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Stewart Nicholson said: “We are looking forward to bringing this new technology into the service.
“Clydesmill Community Fire Station is ideally located operationally, to put the appliance through its paces and is supported with excellent charging facilities for this type of vehicle.
“Crews will be fully supported as we begin this process of potentially moving away from fossil fuel powered appliances.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service supports the transition to a net zero society and has pledged to reduce carbon emissions from its fleet. It’s estimated that an electric appliance will reduce emissions by 66% compared with a diesel appliance:
• A diesel engine appliance will omit around 10.79KgCO2e over a typical distance of six miles
• An equivalent electric powered appliance will omit 3.46KgCO2e over the same journey
The E1 EV0™ is due to be delivered to Clydesmill Community Fire Station in late 2022.
