The Hamburg Fire Department is happy with its three new, fully-electric emergency vehicles
Two electric ambulances and one electric fire engine have been a part of the Hamburg Fire Department’s fleet since 17 March 2025 and from now on, will be on duty in sometimes challenging operations. Two additional electric command vehicles have already been in trial operation since June 2024.
In addition to the environmental aspects, which are decisive for the global transformation towards electric mobility, the new emergency vehicles have considerable advantages that are optimally tailored for the needs of the Hamburg Fire Department as well as optimally supporting the emergency services in their daily work, for example with their quiet driving and improved ergonomics and manoeuvrability.
Positive experiences in test operation
The two new electrically-operated ambulances will initially be stationed at the Billstedt and Berliner Tor fire and rescue stations. They were fully electrified on the basis of a MAN chassis by Swiss company FLUX and converted into ambulances by the WAS company (Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeuge). A similar vehicle of this type was already tested in August of 2021 at the Hamburg Fire Department. The positive experiences led to the concept being implemented in full trial operation with two fully-electric ambulances configured according to domestic construction standard.
The vehicles’ low centres of gravity lead to improved driving characteristics and a significantly increased comfort level for patients. The stretchers of both ambulances are also electrically operated and therefore provide considerable support to paramedics in their work. Because the vehicles cover only short distances in the urban area and are recharged between deployments, the range of the electric vehicles does not present a problem.
Customised electric firefighting vehicle for Hamburg
For the first time, the Hamburg Fire Department is deploying an electrically-operated large vehicle. The fully electric fire engine from the Rosenbauer company represents a highly innovative vehicle design that improves firefighting and technical assistance operations in a variety of ways. These include in particular, an air-suspended chassis, which makes the removal of equipment and operation at the scene easier due to height adjustability. An off-road mode and the vehicle’s wading capability allow deployment in difficult terrains or short drives through water of up to 80 cm deep. Because of its slim build and additional rear axle steering, the vehicle is also extremely manoeuvrable.
Another special feature is the arrangement of the crew seats at right angles to the direction of travel. This significantly improves communication between the crew en route to the scene of deployment. The quiet drive decreases noise pollution at the scene, even in prolonged pump operation. In conjunction with the battery-powered tools that are loaded on the vehicle, there are various advantages: noise reduction avoids stress and improves communication between emergency crews. As an energy back-up system, the firefighting vehicle has its own generator which can be turned on when needed and supplies the vehicle with electricity.
The two electric command vehicles based on the Volkswagen ID4 model have been used since last summer by doctors of the chief emergency doctors group as well as the press service of the Hamburg Fire Department.
All five electrically-operated vehicles are now in trial operation. This will continue over a period of up to two years and is planned for several fire and rescue stations. This will reflect all structural characteristics of the city of Hamburg, such as for example, the port areas, built-up areas in the inner city or rural structures in the outskirts of Hamburg. In addition to a high level of patient comfort, the vehicles provide new opportunities for cooperation and technical refinements that can positively support the fire department in achieving its objectives in urban areas.
Funding from the federal government and the city of Hamburg
The procurement of both electric ambulances and the electric fire engine as well as the associated charging infrastructure was funded under the guideline for funding light and heavy-duty commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-protecting drives and the associated refuelling and charging infrastructure (KsNI) with a total of around 583,000 euros by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH. Applications are approved through the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
The project is funded by climate plan finances of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
On the occasion of the vehicle handover, Hartmut Höppner, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport:
“Special vehicles are important ambassadors for the functionality and performance of electric mobility. Climate-friendly powered rescue and emergency vehicles show that there are climate-neutral alternatives for almost every transport sector. They cause less exhaust gases and noise and therefore contribute to better air quality and quality of life in our cities. The commitment of the Hamburg Fire Department provides impressive proof that climate protection and readiness for duty can go hand in hand.”
Thomas Schuster, State Councillor for Internal Affairs:
For the Hamburg Fire Department, the year 2025 began with an important step towards to future of electric mobility. Today’s handover of three fully electric service vehicles is a clear signal for more sustainability and innovation. These modern vehicles optimally support our firefighters in their challenging operations, while at the same time contributing to climate protection. The Hamburg Fire Department is thus on the best path to securing its operational readiness in an increasingly sustainable future.”
Jörg Sauermann, Head of the Hamburg Fire Department:
“With the procurement of our fully electric emergency vehicles, we are forging new roads in firefighting and rescue services and setting an example for an even more powerful and future-oriented Hamburg Fire Department. Above all, the design of the new electric fire engine simplifies work at scenes of deployment significantly. We are proud to be able to receive these vehicles today, individually tailored to Hamburg. With this project, we are demonstrating that many benefits for emergency response in a major city can be generated by modern drive technology.”
About NOW GmbH
Since 2008, NOW GmbH has been supporting the federal government’s targets in its climate and industrial policy. The tasks of the federally-owned company include developing, monitoring and evaluating funding programmes about climate-neutral mobility and energy supply. NOW GmbH experts supervise projects in the areas of hydrogen, fuel cells, battery and renewable fuels. They reimagine mobility and fuels for cars, buses, trains, commercial vehicles, ships and airplanes, and support the establishment and further development of charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling stations for cars and trucks. More information on NOW can be found here.