To evaluate the impact of transitioning from a conventional diesel fire truck to an electric model, we compared fuel consumption, energy costs, and emissions for 100 km of travel.

• Diesel Displacement: A conventional fire truck consumes approximately 0.5¹ liters of diesel per kilometer. Over 100 km, this equals 50 liter of diesel displaced when switching to an electric fire truck with an 85 kWh battery and 100 km range.
• Cost Savings: At a wholesale diesel price of $1.50 per litre, the diesel truck’s energy cost is $75 per 100 km. In comparison, charging the electric fire truck costs only $9.18 per 100 km at BC Hydro’s flat rate of $0.108/kWh. This results in $65.82 in savings per 100 km, making electric operation roughly 88% cheaper. (Note: BC Hydro demand charges could add ~$9.80/day depending on charging patterns.)
• CO₂ Emissions Reduction: Diesel combustion produces approximately 2.7 kg of CO₂ per liter². At 50 liters per 100 km, the diesel truck emits 135 kg of CO₂, while the electric truck produces 0 kg of tailpipe emissions. Even accounting for BC’s clean electricity grid (0.0115 kg CO₂e/kWh)³, the electric truck generates only ~1 kg of CO₂, resulting in a net reduction of ~134 kg of CO₂ for every 100 km driven.

^{1 - http://www.ohiofirechiefs.com/aws/OFCA/asset_manager/get_file/77188}

^{2 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/oee/pdf/transportation/fuel-efficient-technologies/autosmart_factsheet_9_e.pdf}

^{3 - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/data/electricity}