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Summary is AI-generated, newsdesk-reviewed
  • Cary Fire Dept deploys Pierce Volterra electric pumper, first on East Coast, enhancing sustainability.
  • Pierce Volterra features 155kWh battery, 500-gallon tank, ensuring efficient, reliable electric fire response.
  • Electric-diesel hybrid system in Pierce Volterra offers flexibility and reduces environmental impact.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is pleased to announce Cary Fire Department in North Carolina has introduced into service a Pierce Volterra electric pumper, which is the first to be delivered on the East Coast.

The order, secured by Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions, reinforces Cary’s commitment to innovative and sustainable firefighting solutions.

The new Pierce Volterra electric pumper is projected to help address the department’s CO2 emissions, supporting Cary’s sustainability and resiliency goals. 

Public safety

Reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to public safety and is the foundation of every decision we make about fire response equipment,” said Fire Chief Mike Cooper of the Cary Fire Department. “That’s why we chose the Pierce Volterra EV. It delivers the performance and dependability we require while supporting Cary’s broader goals around sustainability and resiliency.”

Chief Cooper added, “As part of our long-term planning for apparatus replacement, we saw an opportunity to advance our sustainability and resiliency goals in a way that also strengthens our operations.”

We already have a history of utilizing Pierce's Idle Reduction Technology across most of our front-line fleet, but the Pierce Volterra pumper allows us to go even further in helping reduce emissions and meet the expectations of an evolving, environmentally conscious community.”

Key specifications

Key specifications of Cary Fire Department’s new Pierce Volterra electric pumper:

  • Chassis: Enforcer
  • Water Tank: 500-gallon
  • Seats: Six (6)
  • Pump: Waterous 1500 GPM
  • Power supply: 155kWh battery pack
  • Alternate power supply: Cummins B6.7, 361HP
  • Suspension: Pierce TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension
  • Safety Features: Pierce Frontal and Side Roll Impact Protection, HAAS Avoidance Collision Mitigation System
  • Notable Features: The onboard batteries enable the Pierce Volterra EV to operate fully on electric power. Should the battery power become depleted from extended operations, the Pierce Volterra pumper’s internal combustion engine seamlessly engages, allowing the fire truck to continue its mission. The operator can also easily manually transition between the two modes (electric or internal combustion-powered) on demand.

Pierce Volterra pumper

The truck’s capabilities to seamlessly switch from battery to diesel were a requirement, and the fact it can be pre-programmed and changed between the two with a push of a button was very attractive. More than 90 percent of our calls will now be powered by electric response,” said Chief Cooper.

Aside from the Pierce Volterra pumper, many of the other fire trucks in Cary’s fleet feature Pierce Idle Reduction Technology, which adds batteries to power critical functions while helping manage fuel consumption and emissions.

Advanced apparatus

Our Atlantic Emergency Solutions team greatly values the long-standing relationship we have with the Town of Cary Fire Department, and we are dedicated to continuing our tradition of delivering the most advanced apparatus and outstanding service," said Joe Pack, CEO of Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

"Introducing the Pierce Volterra EV to their fleet emphasizes our mutual commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility."

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