Blue Lights, Green Energy: Emergency One Receives Funding for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Project

Emergency One, the UK’s leading manufacturer of firefighting and rescue vehicles, has been awarded grant funding to produce a prototype of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered fire appliance. The concept behind this is to explore the potential of hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel for emergency vehicles. Other partners in the project with Emergency One include Altair Ltd for vehicle energy system modelling, along with ULEMCo Technical Services (UK) Ltd for cooling capability.

Emergency One and their partners have been awarded £3.9 million by the government, matched by industry to a total of £7.9 million, for a major project with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) to develop solutions for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The ‘HYER Power’ project will develop a hydrogen fuel cell range extender module that will integrate into electric vehicles used for specialist applications such as ambulances, fire engines and street sweepers.

This news follows Emergency One’s success with their fully electric-powered fire engine range E1 EV0™. The company’s first E1 EV0™ was launched in 2020 and marked the world’s first fully electric fire appliance. Emergency One aims to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-powered solutions for use in firefighting and other emergency response applications, with the ultimate goal of promoting the adoption of clean energy solutions in the emergency services sectors.

One advantage of hydrogen fuel cell technology is that it produces no harmful emissions, only water vapour, making it a greatly sustainable and environmentally friendly option. In addition, fuel cells are highly efficient and can provide long-range operation with quick refuelling, making them a solution for emergency services that need to operate in remote areas or for extended periods of time.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded funding for this project and look forward to the continuation of improving our innovations where possible.”, said Chester Smith, Director at Emergency One (UK) Ltd. “Low emission appliances have been an ongoing project at E1, one of which has proven to be difficult but not impossible given the unique set of challenges fire engines face. This investment into cleaner solutions for emergency responders is a step in the right direction and we are lucky enough to be at the forefront of what we believe is industry-leading innovation.”

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) will provide the customer input, trialling and dissemination, and the work will lead to a manufacturing-ready, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-based range extension system for electric drivetrains. The zero-emission range extender used for HYER Power will apply existing, proven fuel cell technology from the Toyota Mirai, and will demonstrate how zero-emission vehicles can be used in a wide range of specialised and challenging settings.

Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is absolutely committed to acting towards our net zero targets and building on the work we have already done to move part of our fleet away from internal combustion engines. Heavy fire engines pose a particular challenge, and we feel that hydrogen-powered fuel cells can play a promising role in delivering on the county’s climate action ambitions.”

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Hydrogen could play an important role in our efforts to decarbonise, especially where battery-powered electrification is challenging in heavy-duty vehicles like fire engines. I’m delighted that we are partnering with ULEMCo on this important step in exploring and advancing zero-carbon solutions. The county council’s fire & rescue service will provide operational insight while the council’s unique Innovation Hub along with the Climate Action team will work with ULEMCo to facilitate the project.”

The funding has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre Collaborative Research and Development programme, in support of ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emission vehicles in the UK. It is expected that the hydrogen fire engine, which will be named the E1 HV0™, will be complete by the end of 2024.

“We are delighted to see this recognition and commitment to developing hydrogen mobility as part of the solution to net zero”, said Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo. “Hydrogen is essential for viable zero-emission solutions in applications such as emergency response vehicles due to the rapid refuelling that enables the vehicle to be ‘fit-to-go’, and to provide the full flexibility and range required for the job. The packaging constraints and the overall energy demand needed for these vehicle drivetrains as well as the onboard equipment, mean that hydrogen solutions are the most cost-productive route to transition to zero-emission fleets. Our strong relationship with OCC will enable us to make rapid progress moving to production-ready hydrogen fuel cell designs.”

This cutting-edge work is going to mean clean, green vehicles designed and built in the UK can increasingly take on the toughest jobs, from haulage to public transport”, said Nusrat Ghani, Minister for Industry and Investment Security. “Our automotive industry keeps setting the pace globally when it comes to seizing the potential of new technologies. Today’s multi-million-pound boost will help them stay ahead of the international competition while continuing to support high-quality jobs and economic growth.”

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Clan Tools and Plant Ltd have recently teamed up with SEEK Thermal to bring new and innovative thermal imaging cameras to the UK market.

Seek Thermal was founded in 2012 by two industry pioneering scientists with 40 years’ experience in advancing military and professional grade thermal imaging technology, making them experts at what they do. They have now shipped hundreds of thousands of thermal imaging products around the world as they continue to make thermal imaging an accessible, everyday tool, so people can do their jobs safer, faster and smarter. Joining forces with Clan Tools & Plant, one of the leading suppliers of rescue equipment to fire services, local governments, and industries exclusively in the UK, it’s a match made in heaven. The two products entering the UK market through Clan Tools & Plant are the SEEK AttackPro and FireProX thermal imaging cameras.

Steven Bell, Director at Emergency One Group stated “We are thrilled to incorporate SEEK Thermal Imaging Cameras into our range of rescue equipment. We pride ourselves on providing customers with some of the best kit on the market and SEEK thermal is no exception.”

With the increase in wildfires and cost of thermal imaging cameras, Clan Tools have decided to bring an efficient and cost-effective solution to the UK Market.

The Attack Pro:

Designed with firefighters for firefighters, the AttackPRO™ thermal imaging camera offers an unmatched combination of image quality, durability, and price. With its high resolution and wide field of view, AttackPRO is the new decision-making weapon of choice for commanding officers. Mixed-gain pixel technology eliminates the visual confusion and delay of switching between high-gain and low-gain modes. AttackPRO lets you clearly see the fire and the crew, all in one detailed image. The kit comes fully equipped with the AttackPRO camera, 2 batteries, and a charging dock.

Featuring:

• 320 x 240 sensor for enhanced clarity and colourization displayed at 25Hz.
• Highly durable, IP67 rated with an operating temp of up to 500°F (260°C).
• Wide 57-degree field of view.
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery, with greater than 6 hours of continuous thermal imaging.
• Simple operation; one button thermal operation and no confusing menus or settings.

Anoop Shinh, Sales Director at EMEA stated ‘We are excited about our new relationship with Clan Tools & Plant, being able to introduce two of our high quality and affordable thermal imaging cameras into the UK market is a massive opportunity.”

The FireProX:

Equipping every firefighter with a personal thermal imaging camera can potentially save more lives and protect property by increasing two vital parts of an emergency call: speed and safety. Reveal FirePRo™X is SEEKs most advanced handheld thermal imaging camera yet. Highly durable and easy to use, Reveal FirePROTMX combines a high-performance 320 x 240 thermal sensor with intuitive software to help you fight fires smarter and safer. And, when you need it, a powerful 300-lumen LED light is available at the touch of a button. Simplified charging and resistance to the elements with a sealed magnetic charge port. The Reveal FirePROTMX delivers unprecedented high-resolution thermal imaging available at this price.

Find hot spots when every second counts. See-through smoke, visualize your plan, and execute.

Featuring:

• 320 x 240 high resolution thermal sensor, with 76,800 temperature pixels for maximum clarity and sensitivity.
• Handheld operation: 2.5 x 4.75 inches, 128grams.
• IP67-rated, durable and waterproof housing.
• Secure magnetic charge port for foolproof connection.
• Wide 32-degree field of view.
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery with up to 3.5 hours of continuous thermal imaging.
• Purpose-built for first responders with 3 colour modes.

Available now! To learn more about the new SEEK thermal imaging cameras or try them out, get in touch at [email protected]

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E1 EV Submersion Q&A

Emergency One (UK) Ltd are delighted to present our new “E1 – EV Submersion Unit”.  The increasing problem of how to deal with Electric Vehicle (EV) fires is something that all Fire and Rescue Services need to consider.
Given that the battery element of an EV vehicle needs to remain submerged for a period of time post-ignition to ensure that it remains stable, our new containers are designed specifically for this purpose.

Our containers are compatible with existing hook lift prime movers, and allow for the containment of contaminated run-off. The front door of the container folds down as a ramp to allow easy vehicle entry (with the aid of an integrated winch system). The door is sealed, and the sprinkler system is activated and driven by a petrol powered pump (optional) once the water source has been attached. A hydraulic powered roof can be added for security and complete containment. The majority of these actions are carried out at a distance by remote control, with the container being specified around the customers’ requirements.

The container can then be moved to a secure and safe location if required.
All reflective markings and Fire Service related branding are available as standard.

Q1 – How does it work?

• You would extinguish the car fire as you would do under normal circumstances, dealing with the initial risk in line with your own standard operating procedures. Once extinguished the vehicle can then be winched inside (using the optional integrated winch system) and secured for transport. The batteries can then be kept cool either using the integrated sprinkler system or filled and submerged to battery level. Always refer to vehicle manufacturers emergency response instructions for best method.

Q2 – What do you do with the contaminated water?

• Each Fire Service has its own procedure for dealing with car fires and indeed the runoff water produced. In the UK this is based upon the NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) through various MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) that are in place with the respective UK Fire and Rescue services in England, Wales, NI and Scotland and their respective Environmental protection bodies. The key aims of the agreements are to:

Minimise the hazard to the environment from fire and rescue service activities, including firefighting and training, and from incidents involving environmentally harmful substances caused by a third party, without compromising the fire and rescue service’s duty to protect people.

The EV container allows you to enhance your response by containing the water. In some instances, the water contained will have little or no contamination. The individual services can deal with this on a case-by-case basis and through advice on disposal with EA or local Water Agencies.

Q3- How do you get the container to the scene?

• The container requires transport on a Prime Mover or Hook lift. In the UK this would be like the vehicles provided through National Resilience. We would be delighted to offer a suitable vehicle specification to accompany the container as required.

Q4 – How to store the electric vehicle?

• The main priority of the Fire Service is to make the vehicle or the area safe. With EV cars after the basic fire is extinguished there is still an element of risk in the battery cells for re ignition / thermal runaway. Our EV container will allow firefighters to relocate the EV for safe storage until the required time has elapsed, keep the battery cells cool through the sprinkler or submersion. This could be at Fire Service premises or simply used as a method of transport to pass over to your local recovery service. Each service will have a best practice in place for vehicle removal and existing relationships with recovery agencies.

Q4 – Water vs. Foam

• From our research and knowledge there are currently no suitable or effective media agents used to extinguish an electric vehicle fire other than a lot of water! The recommendation is to keep the battery cooled for an extended period using water, through various application methods. Each vehicle manufacturer has a best practice which should be followed, but our EV container allows you to do both main recommendations, whether its cooling spray or submerged this can be achieved with minimal resource for protracted periods as required.

One Solution?

As the risk of EV fires develops, we understand there is not a ‘one solution for all’ events. We have worked closely with our customer base to develop a solution. The EV container provides the best solution on the market to deal with this evolving challenge. This is supported with our full range of EV solutions such as the latest Vetter EIS system and Leader Fire Blankets which can support any services response to the increasing risk. Contact us for more details or information at [email protected]

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Emergency One UK Returns to Interschutz 2022 with a Splash.

The UK’s largest manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles will be attending what is considered the industry’s most important trade show, Interschutz in Hannover June 20-25.  Managing Director of Emergency One Mike Madsen confirmed “it is essential that we are attending the event and given the opportunity to showcase what we are capable of to new and old customers alike”.

With the increase in natural disasters, political disagreements as a result of the Russian war against Ukraine and recovery from the corona virus pandemic, now more than ever it’s important for participants and attendees to come together and find solutions for the challenges of our time.

The company plan to present not one but two new appliances at the show, highlighting their drive for innovation.

Zero Emissions, Zero Compromise.

After a successful launch of the world’s first fully electric fire engine the E1 EV0 in 2020, Emergency One intend on introducing the newest E1 EV0 to the public at Interschutz. The brand new E1 EV0 is fully equipped with Alison eGen Power™ 100D electric axle, providing optimal performance with no emissions. Staying in line with the original appliance the E1 EV0 mark II operates on battery power for both drive and pump capabilities. An additional on board smart charge allows the user to extend its driving range and pump duration if required but is not a necessity.

The eGen Power™ 100D electric axle integrates two high-speed electric motors and a multi-speed transmission, eliminating the need for additional drive shafts and support structures. This allows it to fit easily between the wheels, leaving critical space for battery storage. With continuous power of 536 horsepower (400 kilowatts) and peak output power of 738 horsepower (550 kilowatts), the eGen™ Power 100D is among the most powerful propulsion solutions in its class, with an architecture tuned for high gradeability and high-top speed without sacrificing efficiency. This ensures Emergency One’s fire and rescue trucks will continue to deliver incomparable performance and reliability, fast acceleration, and manoeuvrability in an application where failure is not an option, and every second counts.

Making a Splash.

The Brand New E1-Manticore™ will be present at the show and marks the vehicles first public appearance. The E1 Manticore ™ range of appliances are the latest vehicle type available from Emergency One. Designed and manufactured for airport and industrial use, the ARFF appliances are available in 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 configurations, all of which are manufactured to meet the requirements of NFPA414 and the relevant ICAO standards for the vehicle size and type. With the option for a full High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) packaging in either 16m or 20m iterations and the largest cab in its class, the new E1 Manticore™ is unbeatable!

The Scania DC16 power-plants propelling the vehicles ensure that the vehicle type is one of the fastest in its class and are available in several Euro Emissions Standards to meet our customers’ requirements globally. The E1 Manticore™ is also available with the E1 EV0™ technology coupling it with the Scania DC16 power-plant in a hybrid parallel drive solution, producing over 1000bhp. The 6 x 6 configuration, being the most popular size, is armed with a 12,500 litre water tank, 1500 litre foam tank, an 8000 litre per minute water pump which feeds a 6000 lire per minute joystick controlled roof monitor as well as a 2000 litre per minute bumper monitor. The vehicle locker and can layouts are completely configurable to meet the end user’s requirements.

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Emergency One Secures Export of Electric Fire Appliance to France

Emergency One UK Ltd is celebrating following a contract with Hérault Fire Service to supply its innovative electric fire appliances and further the net zero goals for the French fire service.

Scottish Government Minister for Business Ivan McKee met with Emergency One, representatives from Hérault Fire Service and French government officials to mark the key export contract as part of a visit to France on 16 May.

The company is based in Cumnock, Scotland, and is the UK’s largest manufacturer of fire and rescue appliances now leading the way in sustainable emergency vehicles with the launch of the E1 EV0™ the world’s first fully electric fire appliance in October 2020.

Scottish Government Minister for Business Ivan McKee said: “The Scottish Government’s drive towards Net Zero emissions is not just an environmental imperative, it opens new markets and creates economic opportunities.

“Businesses such as Emergency One are using their expertise and ingenuity to unlock this potential. The new relationship with Hérault Fire Services has been secured against international competition and positions the company as a global leader in the sector.

“We congratulate Emergency One, wish it well and are delighted to support its efforts through the team at Scottish Enterprise.”

Emergency One built the electric fire appliance as part of its move to more sustainable products supported by a grant from Scottish Enterprise in 2020.

The manufacturer has also been supported by the economic development agency’s international arm, Scottish Development International, in its international growth ambitions to secure its first French export contract with Hérault Fire Service.

Mike Madsen, Managing Director of Emergency One said: “The development of zero emission fire and rescue vehicles is business critical in a green thinking economy and we are proud to be working with a leading French Fire and Rescue Service to put the first electric fire appliance into service on the European mainland.”

“Not only is the electric route safer for the environment but also the firefighters themselves and we are proud of the technology and progress to market of the E1 EV0™ the world’s first fully electric fire appliance that highlights Scottish innovation.”

Emergency One’s International Business Development Manager Malcolm Etridge added: “Any export journey can be a long and complex process and absolutely key to our recent export success of the EV0 is the involvement of Scottish Development International (SDI) both in helping to promote the concept but also provide clarity about local culture and appropriate marketing strategies.”

Global Head of Trade – Science and Technology at Scottish Enterprise Sharon McKendry said: “We are proud to have worked with Emergency One over many years. The company is a brilliant example of an innovative Scottish manufacturer with export ambitions that is taking its sustainable fire appliances to serve markets across the world and is grasping the opportunities of climate change.

“The company’s contract with Hérault Fire Services, that covers a population of over 1 million people, will act as a springboard to gain additional sales on the French market. It is fantastic to see this success from the firm that brought us the world’s first fully electric fire appliance, built in Scotland that is saving lives and the planet.”

“Scottish Enterprise aims to support companies like Emergency One to enter new markets and take Scotland’s innovative products and services to international markets.”

The E1 EVO ™ is the world’s first fully electric fire appliance, with zero emissions as combines electric technology both whilst driving and operating its fire pump, setting the appliance apart from other “hybrid” vehicles that are available that offer a far more restricted range.

Emergency One has manufactured a vehicle that is capable of the identical operational capacity as those powered by fossil fuelled engines. More on the E1 EV0 at: https://e1group.co.uk/e1-evo

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