WAS 500 E-RTW in regular rescue service

First fully electric ambulance in Cologne

The city of Cologne has taken an important step towards sustainable emergency care: the third all-electric WAS 500 E-RTW is now being used in the regular rescue service. The vehicle was ceremoniously presented by City Director Andrea Blome and Federal Minister of Transport Dr Volker Wissing at the Marienburg fire station on 12 October 2023.

This e-RTW is part of a comprehensive fleet renewal programme. Over the next four years, Cologne's rescue service will receive a total of 85 new WAS 500 ambulances, which will gradually replace the existing fleet. The all-electric WAS 500 E-RTW represents a significant step towards emission-free emergency care.

Stationing and test phase of the E-RTW

The all-electric WAS 500 E-RTW will be stationed at the fire station in Marienburg and will be tested in regular operation for a total period of six years. The aim of the test phase is to gain valuable insights into the use of electric vehicles in the emergency services. This experience will help the city of Cologne to drive forward the electrification of other emergency vehicles.

Pilot project for an electric fire station

In addition to the use of the e-RTW, the Marienburg fire station is being expanded into an e-guard as a pilot project. In future, electrically powered emergency ambulances will also be stationed and tested there. This project has the potential to make the city of Cologne a pioneer in sustainable emergency care in Germany.

Funding by the Federal Ministry

The additional costs for the electric drive of the WAS 500 E-RTW are 80 percent financed by the "Funding programme for climate-friendly commercial vehicles" (KsNI) of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs. This emphasises the importance of sustainable mobility and the promotion of climate-friendly technologies in the public sector.