E-mobility put to the test

at the Hamburg Fire Brigade

At first glance, they are hardly distinguishable from their diesel-powered counterparts: the two WAS 500 Flux E-RTW electric ambulances that have been in service with the Hamburg Fire Brigade for a few months now. This is exactly what was intended – because it means that they can be used just as safely and routinely by emergency personnel without the need for extensive training or adjustment. Following Berlin, Hanover, Cologne and other German emergency service areas, Hamburg is now also relying on e-mobility in its emergency services. We spoke to Jörg Baumann from the Technical Procurement Department of the Hamburg Fire Brigade to find out how this was achieved in the Free and Hanseatic City and what priorities were set.

Would you say that e-RTWs need special features in Hamburg?

Here in the vehicle workshops, we always say that anything that survives the ‘Hamburg thumb’ is good for the world. The saying goes back to when we tested a control panel that was already working perfectly in 400 vehicles. Here, the first firefighter in Hamburg pressed the button too hard and caused a short circuit. Since then, the manufacturer has installed a rubber damper. There are several stories like this. We just like to test things ourselves again, even if others are already satisfied.

Did the WAS 500 Flux E-RTW stand up to the ‘Hamburg thumb’?

Yes, it has so far. However, when designing the two e-RTWs, we also consulted colleagues from other rescue services in advance. For example, we now work very closely with the Berlin Fire Brigade and we looked at the project in Hanover, where the first WAS test vehicle was in use. So you are taking a particularly thorough approach in Hamburg. What was the process like from initial interest to procurement? We have definitely been looking into e-mobility for much longer than we have actually been using it. This was preceded by a senate directive stipulating that all vehicles should be electric wherever possible. WAS then presented the topic of e-mobility to us as part of a roadshow. We agreed on a test phase with a demonstration model, which we evaluated after six weeks. Based on the positive feedback, we compiled our requirements and looked around the market. One requirement, for example, was a standardised charging plug, and we wanted an automatic warning signal in case of undervoltage. WAS emerged as the best partner in the tender process for our requirements – 5.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight with slim vehicle dimensions and good range. We have had the vehicles here since November 2024 and have been using them since February. They are used a lot and I haven't heard any negative feedback, which is always a good sign in Hamburg.