Boulder Fire-Rescue has purchased a Rosenbauer RTX fire engine, the first electric vehicle of its kind in Colorado. The city says the RTX is considered a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), meaning it has an all-electric drivetrain and pump with a diesel energy backup system.
The city says the purchase also represents a broader movement to go electric that goes beyond personal vehicles to include larger, more powerful machines, including emergency vehicles that must be reliable and able to perform under challenging conditions.
The RTX engine was created with the primary goal of improving occupational safety for all firefighters, the city says. Improvements include an adjustable suspension that offers lower equipment and cab access heights, all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for increased maneuverability on the road, an ergonomically designed cab space, reduced exposure to carcinogenic fumes, and a significant reduction in operational noise.
Boulder officials say they anticipate delivery of this engine in late 2024 or early 2025, though the actual timeline may vary slightly and will be determined as the build-out progresses. The estimated cost of this engine is approximately $1.78 million. Nearly all of Boulder Fire-Rescue’s budget is from the General Fund.
