Special vehicles

Special vehicles

From mission-critical operations to applications in extreme conditions, you need power solutions you can rely on. Our advanced industrial engines and electric drivelines are engineered for special vehicles—like firetrucks—to perform in the toughest environments. A prime example is our innovative electric driveline in the Rosenbauer RTX fire truck, custom-designed to meet the unique demands of firefighting.
Parked fire truck on grass with city buildings in background.
Special vehicle solutions for firetrucks & other commercial vehicles

Special vehicles

Special vehicles

Electric vehicle layout showing integrated battery, motor, and power electronics system.
Electric vehicle layout showing integrated battery, motor, and power electronics system.

1. Electric driveline:

Our off-highway electrification system offer OEMs with a range of adaptable installation choices, featuring configurable software and components such as battery packs, electric motors, junction boxes, and power electronics from our product lineup. Additionally, Volvo Penta offers custom-designed harnesses specifically tailored to each vehicle.

Offering both propulsion electric motors and PTO electric motors for hydraulic pumps and transmissions, we can deliver them with a single or dual Volvo transmission, or with a third-party transmission of your choice.
Battery chemistry:
NCA
Weight:
532 kg
Dimensions:
768 mm (L) by 684 mm (W) by 668 mm (H)
Installed Energy Content:
90 kWh
Type of output current
AC
Voltage, three-phase
400 V
Voltage, single-phase
230 V
Maximum power, three-phase
43 kW
Maximum power, single-phase
14 kW (US)
2-speed gearbox optimizes the motor's efficiency across its range in various off highway applications. Developed and manufactured by Volvo, this gearbox features independent power channels, allowing for uninterrupted gear changes. This ensures smooth and consistent power delivery, providing a controlled and seamless driving experience in every situation.
Firefighters inside a fire truck, preparing for action
Firefighters inside a fire truck, preparing for action

2. Battery monitoring

Electric firetrucks rely on powerful batteries to operate, so it's important to constantly monitor their condition. A battery monitoring system keeps track of things like how much charge is left and whether the battery is staying cool and healthy. This helps ensure the firetruck is always ready to respond quickly and safely in an emergency.
Smiling firefighter sprays water from a hose during training.
Smiling firefighter sprays water from a hose during training.

3. Purpose built

At Volvo Penta, we partner with different OEMs, like firetruck manufacturers, to develop purpose-built electric drivelines that enhance maneuverability, deliver quicker acceleration, and support more compact, agile vehicle designs. These benefits are especially valuable for urban firefighting, where tight spaces, fast response times, and reduced emissions all play a vital role in protecting communities. 
Firefighter refueling a fire truck inside the station.
Firefighter refueling a fire truck inside the station.

4. Improved working conditions

Electrifying a firetruck helps create a safer, more comfortable working environment for firefighters. With no engine noise or exhaust emissions, crews can communicate more clearly on scene and breathe cleaner air while doing their critical work.
Fire truck driving on a tree-lined road during daytime.
Fire truck driving on a tree-lined road during daytime.

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5. Maneuverability and acceleration

Volvo Penta’s electric driveline is designed to improve maneuverability and acceleration in demanding off-highway applications like firetrucks. The 2-speed gearbox enhances motor efficiency across different driving conditions, providing smooth torque and better control in tight urban spaces.  

A DC/DC converter efficiently steps down power from 660VDC to 24VDC for vehicle systems, while battery packs, developed from proven Volvo Group platforms, deliver reliable energy for fast, powerful response. The bi-directional charger inverter not only charges the system at up to 43kW but also acts as an inverter during operation, supporting seamless energy flow. 
A fire truck at an airport with the control tower and an airplane in the background.

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Volvo Penta Mighty Jobs

Fire truck engines - fighting fire with power

At Atlanta International Airport, the Volvo Penta D16 700 hp engine powers one of the world’s most advanced firefighting trucks, the Rosenbauer Panther.
Two firefighters sitting in the front of a fire truck, wearing uniforms and seatbelts.

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Testimonials

The importance of a reliable engine

Richard Pepples Jr, firefighter at the Atlanta International Airport, explains the importance of a truly reliable fire truck engine.
A green industrial engine attached to a long base with various mechanical components.
Electromobility

An electrical future for fire trucks

Together with Rosenbauer, we are proud to present the world’s first fully electrical fire truck. Completely free from exhaust emissions and with significantly reduced noise levels. This isn’t just a fire truck. This is the future.
A man standing in a workshop, holding engine cables, with various engine parts in the background.

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Applications

Stage V engines for fire trucks and special vehicles

Volvo Penta’s Stage V engines are flexible enough to work perfectly with just about any application, delivering low fuel consumption and increased profitability.

Industrial engines

Industrial applications

Volvo Penta industrial off-road and on-road engines help power a wide number of businesses all around the world. Explore the different applications where we make a difference.
Explore more
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Dealer Locator

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Volvo Penta dealer