FAQ

• How does the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle operate?

  When powered by integrated onboard batteries, the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF  operates with zero emissions. An internal combustion engine is incorporated as well to provide continuous power to the pumping or drive systems as needed.

   

  While the design and operating mechanics of the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicle is identical to the legacy Striker, the altered drivetrain allows for a 28-percent improvement in acceleration when fully loaded. This results in a critically important increased response time.

• What is the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle Drive?

  When in electric vehicle (EV) drive mode, the Striker Volterra ARFF utilizes only its onboard batteries to power the vehicle fully on electricity. While this mode is most useful for reducing emissions and removing exhaust fumes (especially carbon dioxide), it also contributes to a significant decrease in noise pollution produced by the vehicle. EV drive mode on the Striker Volterra ARFF can be used for all primary driving processes. The day-to-day operation of the vehicle is identical to the conventional Striker ARFF, but it comes with highly reduced carbon emissions thanks in part to EV drive mode.

• What is the plug-in electric vehicle configuration of the Striker Volterra ARFF truck?

  The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicle is configured as a plug-in electric vehicle. The vehicle can be operated in different ways to meet the individual needs of each department and is adaptable based on the available electrical resources in the area. The Striker Volterra ARFF truck can operate without a full charge; however, the plug-in charging system offers a more efficient solution and reduces the carbon footprint.
  
  The Striker Volterra ARFF can charge from the standard 220 or 480 electrical grid and is not dependent on a specialized charging infrastructure. Customers may opt to install 480V 3-phase at 32 amps to support the Striker Volterra ARFF’s charging needs. ARFF vehicles typically do not experience the same volume of calls for service that a municipal apparatus does, so the need for fast charging, and the related expense, is a less critical consideration. If fast charging is important to the department, infrastructure investment would be a part of the planning process. Additionally, chargers could be integrated with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, achieving further emission reduction.

• What are the benefits of the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle?

  Electric vehicle innovations have been vital to the ability to meet sustainability goals without impacting operations or the safety of the traveling public.

  Capabilities and benefits include:

  • Reduced Emissions - An Oshkosh patented electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission (EMIVT) allows zero-emissions operation and stand-by mode when powered by the onboard batteries.
  • Improved Firefighter Safety - Reduced emissions and engine noise reduce firefighters’ exposure to air toxins and sound pollution generated from a standard diesel drivetrain, lessening the impact on their health.
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership - There is up to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and a reduced need for engine maintenance, creating cost savings for the department.
  • Continuous Readiness - The onboard batteries can be coupled to the internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive systems.
  • Faster Acceleration - Setting a new standard for rapid response time performance, the Striker Volterra ARFF’s EV mode activates automatically when needed for acceleration and to maintain the batteries for maximum readiness. Reaching 0-50 mph (0-80 kph) in 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF accelerates 28% faster than traditional diesel-powered ARFF vehicles which typically reach 50 mph (80 kph) in 32 seconds.
  • Unaltered Performance - No matter the state of the battery, the performance and operation of the vehicle is never altered.
  • Regenerative Braking - This feature increases efficiency and reduces brake wear by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy to electricity, which recharges the batteries, and reduces brake temperature and wear.

• How many Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles are currently on order?

  Several Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles will go into service around the world in the coming months, including:
  
  

  • Groupe ADP secured a contract in December 2023 to purchase four Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles for Paris–Le Bourget Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting
    
    
  • Japan Ministry of Defense secured a contract in December 2023 to purchase a Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle
    
    
  • DFW Airport secured a contract in September 2023 to purchase six Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles
    
    
  • Airservices Australia secured a contract in June 2023 to purchase four Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles for Western Sydney International Airport
    
    
  • King County International Airport-Boeing Field secured a contract in June 2023 to purchase a Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicle