Town of Cary
Home MenuPierce Volterra Electric Pumper
Cary’s Electric Fire Truck: Leading the Charge in Public Safety Innovation
The East Coast's First Electric Fire Truck Is Here
Cary is embracing next-generation public safety and sustainability.
Photo courtesy of Derrick Welsh and Fuquay Fire Buffs
A PUBLIC-SAFETY FIRST IN NORTH CAROLINA
Cary Fire Station 9 is now home to the first electric fire truck in North Carolina—and on the East Coast.
Meet the Pierce Volterra electric pumper:
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near-zero-emissions dual powertrain
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seamlessly transitions between battery-powered operation and diesel backup when needed
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quieter operation allows firefighters to communicate calmly and clearly—no need to shout over a roaring engine
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designed for a projected 60% reduction in emissions over a 20-year lifespan
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offers the reliability, performance, and environmental benefits Cary values in its public safety investments
HOW WE GOT HERE: A VISION YEARS IN THE MAKING
TECHNOLOGY THAT MATCHES OUR MISSION
- Fully electric drive system with diesel backup for extended calls
- Quiet operation for less disruption during responses
- Zero tailpipe emissions in battery-only mode
- Seamless integration of charging infrastructure
- Integrated ClearSky Telematics for diagnostics and monitoring for improved maintenance tracking
PUTTING THE VOLTERRA TO THE TEST
On June 20, the Volterra was first on the scene at a residential structure fire. Despite arriving with 87% battery, it pumped several lines over the course of three hours and left the scene at 42%. Back at the station, by the time the crew finished decontaminating, the truck had recharged to nearly 90%.
During the response, firefighters noted that the quieter operation of the Volterra created a safer and more focused environment. Without the constant roar of a diesel engine, crews were able to communicate more clearly in the cabin, on the ground, and through their dispatch headsets. The reduced noise eliminated the need to strain voices or crane necks to hear critical updates, supporting calmer, more seamless coordination while dispatched on a call.
A NATURAL EXTENSION OF CARY’S GREEN FLEET
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18% of Cary’s fleet is sustainably powered — and growing
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IRT helps reduce emissions across the majority of our frontline trucks
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Electric fire truck = next evolution in Green Fleet Strategy
Cary’s fire fleet adopted Idle Reduction Technology (IRT) to reduce unnecessary fuel use and emissions during non-emergency operations. With 18% of the overall Town fleet already sustainably powered, the Volterra represents the next evolution in delivering safer, cleaner services.
DRIVING TOWARD A SMARTER, SAFER FUTURE
The Volterra will serve as a real-world pilot as Cary continues evaluating large electric vehicles. Data from its performance will help guide future decisions and other high-demand service vehicles. Partnerships with innovative vendors like Pierce ensure Cary stays ahead of the curve on both safety and environmental responsibility.
Learn more about the Cary Fire department's Apparatus Costs & Delivery