Anticipated Benefits

• A Healthier Work Environment for Gilbert Firefighters

  • Reduces exposure to diesel exhaust which causes cancer, lung and heart diseases and other health problems.

• Performs better in emergencies

  • Volterra electric fire truck has a more responsive and smoother acceleration than diesel-powered pumpers. This can improve response times in emergency situations.
    

• Reduces carbon emissions 

• Combats rising fuel costs

• Less anticipated maintenance  

• Better working conditions inside the truck, including:
   
  • Cooler temperature inside the cab because there isn't a heat-generating motor underneath, which is especially crucial during Arizona summers.
    
    
  • Significantly quieter than diesel-fueled pumper:
    
    
    • Reduces the risk of noise-induced hearing loss for our crews.
    • Eliminates the need for headsets.
    • Improves communication inside the cab.
    • Engineers can hear important radio traffic more easily.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue has been a Pierce Manufacturing Inc. customer since the department was founded.

Pierce makes all the department's pumper and ladder vehicles. That’s why the look and operation of the new electric engine is nearly the same as Gilbert’s diesel-powered units. 

Gilbert is the third department in the country to add a Pierce Volterra electric fire engine to its fleet, following the cities of Madison, Wisconsin and Portland, Oregon.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What if the battery dies? 
  
  For daily operations, the Pierce Volterra Pumper runs on battery power alone.
  
  In the event the vehicle is involved in a situation that requires extended, sustained firefighting operations, the pumper can transition seamlessly to the diesel-powered engine that is on board to ensure uninterrupted power to the pumping system.
  
  
• When was this approved by the Gilbert Town Council? 
  
  The Gilbert Town Council approved the contract with Pierce Manufacturing Inc. in June 2022.
  
  
• How long is the truck expected to last? 
  
  The projected lifespan of the Volterra pumper is the same as Gilbert’s diesel-powered vehicles – 10 years in service, 5 years in reserve.
  
  
• Why is the truck going to Station 2? 
  
  Station 2 on Guadalupe Road just west of Higley Road is Gilbert’s busiest fire station.
  
  Placing the new electric fire truck at this station will allow Gilbert to gather as much performance data as possible.