Unless you have been living under a rock somewhere or have completely removed yourself from the grid, you know battery power is destined to replace other sources of energy for vehicles. You may or may not like it or agree with it, but it would be hard to argue that it will happen.
The timeline is unknown but most likely will be sooner than one may expect. You probably also realize that much of your stock of power tools will be battery-operated as opposed to gasoline or other current sources. Many departments have already made the transition with tools and probably have not seen a negative impact on service levels. Electric vehicles (EVs) in the fire service appear inevitable, so now is the time to begin preparation.
You should already know some of the challenges ahead based on what has changed as the result of battery-powered tools. There are positives and challenges. From these lessons, we could have at least a little idea of the thought process needed as the transition to EVs continues. For example, going from gas-powered to battery-powered saws required evaluation of tool capabilities, changes needed on apparatus, and a rewrite of training lesson plans. Early on, many tools did not have the same power or capability as gas tools. But, as batteries have evolved to be more reliable and powerful, the tools have gotten better. There are still some issues, but those making the transition have adapted and adjusted.
How long do departments maintain redundancy with tools? By that, I mean that gas tools were kept on hand until the electric versions were proven to be adequate. Some may continue to hold on for personal reasons or just to have a backup plan, but it is nice to be able to get rid of gasoline cans in storage compartments both on the vehicles and in the station. This is a space saver for sure and having different mixes of gas and oil for various machines was inconvenient and ran the risk of using the wrong fuel.
These issues should help provide questions for the proper evaluation of new tools. Can you get the same line of tools that use the same battery? Using different brands may involve different batteries and the ancillary components such as chargers. Multiple battery options may lead to a mistake in selecting the wrong one in a stressful situation. Simplification and consistency help make the transition more successful and accepted by everyone.
For the changeover for tools, there needed to be an evaluation of the electrical system of the vehicles to determine if there was enough power to charge batteries. There was probably an adaptation to have a landline so power could be provided while in the station to maintain batteries in ready mode. Multiple batteries are needed, and some are charged outside of the vehicle and swapped back and forth. This required a change in truck checks and the discipline of the personnel to change the batteries from location to location. Showing up to an emergency with a dead battery is the same as showing up with the tool out of fuel. It prevents good service and is embarrassing.
Training is affected. There are things that have to be done slightly differently. The actual use of the tool will not change, but maintenance and safety must be considered. There is a review of the manufacturer’s recommendations and some research into applicable standards and regulations. You will gain the ability to begin work a bit faster, as there should be no delay in starting the tool, but with that advantage, be careful not to rush into a situation without taking the time to evaluate the situation and act accordingly.
So, the transition from fossil fuels in tools probably went fairly well in most organizations. Some of this is because a lot of firefighters experienced battery-powered tools in their private lives. When the switch to EVs occurs, will the same be said of firefighter experiences with EVs? I certainly cannot speak for everyone, but I am not likely to be an early adopter of an electric vehicle for many reasons. I don’t know how many years it will take for EVs to become the norm, so I am not expecting much change in my personal transportation. When electric fire trucks are introduced, there may be many firefighters in the same circumstance and in need of retraining.
As I am not anywhere near being an expert in this field, I don’t know how ready the fire service will be. But, with the right curiosity, one can ask the right questions to get as much information as possible to make sound decisions. The first thing needed will be the power to charge vehicles. Is there enough power currently provided to the fire station? What charging units will you need? Space could also be a factor in smaller stations. For those fortunate enough to be constructing or renovating stations now, preparation for charging stations must be in the plans.
One of the major challenges for EVs is the charging time. That issue has to be resolved and shortened to a reasonable expectation. The range probably is not an issue except with agencies likely to travel great distances either for mutual aid or wildland responses. Out-of-service time while charging must be minimal, especially with busy companies. The issue of charging time is a concern for all who use EVs so there will be great effort to resolve the issue. Another consideration with batteries is the fire hazard. There have been reports of fires, so the threat exists. The safety side of this must be addressed.
What does the movement to electric vehicles and battery-operated components mean to the future of apparatus? I am far from and expert. But if I oversaw a fire department or planned to become a chief officer, I would definitely put this on my radar. Start the learning process and gain as much knowledge as you can. Take what you know and build on it. Consult with experts in your industry and community. Now is the time to start your research and see what may be coming to your department sooner than you think.
RICHARD MARINUCCI is the executive director of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) and chief (ret.) of the White Lake Township (MI) Fire Department. He retired as chief of the Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department in 2008, a position he had held since 1984. He is a Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment and Fire Engineering Editorial Advisory Board member, a past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and past chairman of the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation. In 1999, he served as acting chief operating officer of the U.S. Fire Administration for seven months. He has a master’s degree and three bachelor’s degrees in fire science and administration and has taught extensively.
