Given the urgent and unpredictable nature of emergency responses, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles must be reliable and ready to perform at any moment.
It’s no surprise range anxiety and overall EV battery capabilities are common concerns when it comes to electric ARFF trucks.
Recognizing this concern, Oshkosh Airport Products engineered the Oshkosh® Striker® Volterra™ electric ARFF with advanced EV battery technology, offering a reliable and consistent performance no matter how long the response time. Keep reading to discover how Striker Volterra’s EV battery ensures the same reliability and performance as traditional combustion-powered ARFF trucks.
How the Striker Volterra’s EV Battery Enhances ARFF Vehicle Performance and Reliability
Dual Capabilities
The Striker Volterra electric ARFF features an Electro-Mechanical transmission that enables it to switch between EV mode and an internal combustion engine. Oshkosh’s patented electric drivetrain supports zero-emissions operation using onboard batteries and can combine with the internal combustion engine to provide uninterrupted power to both the pumping and drive systems.
This dual functionality allows the ARFF vehicle to leverage the EV battery for zero-emission operation while still meeting high-performance requirements. For example, it can travel to an aircraft fire site using electric power and then automatically switch to the combustion engine for maximum water pumping capacity during firefighting, offering pumping capabilities for more than two hours at full-rated discharge.
Increased Acceleration
The Striker Volterra electric ARFF offers a faster acceleration due to its unique ability to utilize power from an onboard EV battery as well as the vehicle’s engine. While a conventional Striker ARFF can accelerate from 0-50 mph in about 32 seconds, the fully loaded Striker Volterra electric ARFF in its heaviest configuration can obtain the same speed in under 25 seconds.
User-Friendly and Reliable Operations
The Striker Volterra’s EV battery seamlessly integrates with the legacy features of any conventional Striker ARFF vehicle, offering user-friendly operations without requiring additional training for firefighters. The truck automatically switches between electric and performance power modes, ensuring the vehicle maintains optimal performance without the need for firefighter intervention.
Learn everything you need to know about the Striker Volterra electric ARFF’s operational performance.
Striker Volterra Electric ARFF’s Advanced Technology and EV Battery Capabilities
The following are the operational capabilities of the Striker Volterra electric ARFF’s advanced EV battery technology:
- SOC (state of charge) Management: Automatically maintains battery charge to ensure all operational scenarios are achieved without performance degradation, allowing airport firefighters to focus on their mission without additional stress.
- Convenient EV Battery Charging Capabilities: Unlike vehicles that need a costly DC fast charger, the Striker Volterra electric ARFF can maintain full performance using either a 240 V or 480 V AC power source, both of which are commonly available in standard fire stations without requiring significant infrastructure investments.
- Standby Mode: The EV battery system can operate for over six hours without the engine or external power, maintaining full functionality of cab heating, cooling, electrical, air and hydraulic systems. When the battery charge is low, the internal combustion engine will automatically activate to ensure optimal performance and readiness.
- Zero Emission Range: The EV battery allows for all daily driving on a single charge without needing recharging from an external power source or the onboard diesel engine. This capability allows for full electric operation for all primary and daily driving needs.
Explore more advanced features and capabilities of the Striker Volterra electric ARFF.
Benefits of the Striker Volterra’s EV Battery Technology
The following are some key benefits of the Striker Volterra’s EV battery technology:
- Reduces the vehicle’s carbon footprint by 75% when charged with clean, renewable energy compared to a conventional internal combustion engine ARFF vehicle based on the manufacturer’s estimated duty cycle.
- Conventional ARFF vehicles have large engines that are not designed to idle for long periods. The Striker Volterra electric ARFF can operate on its EV battery in standby mode, eliminating the engine maintenance issues caused by diesel engine idling. This also reduces noise levels and the vehicle’s overall fuel consumption.
- The Striker Volterra electric ARFF’s ability to run on full-electric when entering, leaving and idling in the fire station eliminates diesel exhaust and significantly reduces noise levels, creating a safer and quieter working environment.
With benefits including enhanced acceleration, significant reductions in carbon footprint, lower fuel consumption and a safer working environment for firefighters, the Striker Volterra electric ARFF sets a new standard in ARFF electric vehicle technology.
Why Choose The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle?
The Oshkosh Striker Volterra electric ARFF redefines the capabilities of electric ARFF vehicles with its advanced EV battery technology. The Striker Volterra electric ARFF ensures unmatched performance, reliability and efficiency by seamlessly integrating electric power with a traditional combustion engine.
As airports continue to prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency, the Striker Volterra electric ARFF stands out as a forward-thinking solution that meets today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
This article was originally published by Oshkosh.
