Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Department Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council sees electric pumper demonstration; staff to evaluate costs and station conversion needs
Summary
Council members and the fire chief toured an electric-diesel hybrid pumper (parallel system) at a vendor demonstration. Staff said the apparatus can run largely on electric power, may cut fuel and maintenance costs, and would require station electrical upgrades and a longer lead time than traditional pumpers.
Pepper Pike officials reported on a vendor demonstration of an electric-capable fire pumper at a recent vehicle “rodeo,” describing potential environmental, noise and operational benefits and asking staff to evaluate life‑cycle costs before a future replacement decision.
Fire Chief John Fraser and other staff assessed a Pierce/Oshkosh pumper marketed as a parallel system that can operate on electric power for routine movement and switch to diesel when batteries are depleted. Presenters said the system runs up to 95% of routine operations on electric in some cities, and that batteries carry long warranties (staff noted a 12‑year battery warranty was typical).
Council asked about downsides: higher up‑front cost (roughly 1.5 to 2 times a diesel pumper), charging and station conversion needs, delivery lead times (quoted as roughly 12–18 months for electric pumpers versus about 40 months for traditional units), and battery life and warranty terms. Staff noted station power conversion (480V, three‑phase) would be required and that some utilities have subsidized onsite upgrades.
No procurement decision was made. Staff said the city has included a replacement in the capital budget and will request vendor ROI information to evaluate total cost of ownership before any purchase.
