Honolulu Fire Department Upgrades Fleet With 12 New Electric Emergency Vehicles

The Honolulu Fire Department announced a $14.2 million investment in electric emergency vehicles, marking the largest single EV purchase by any fire department in the Pacific region.

The fleet includes eight electric pumper trucks manufactured by Rosenbauer and four electric command vehicles from Rivian, all expected to arrive at HFD stations across Oahu by late summer. Fire Chief Sheldon Hakuole said the transition reflects both environmental goals and practical cost savings.

“These aren’t just green for the sake of being green,” Hakuole said at a press conference outside the Kalihi station. “The electric pumpers have instant torque, lower maintenance costs, and they can power medical equipment at a scene for hours without running an engine.”

The Rosenbauer RT pumpers can carry 500 gallons of water and feature a hybrid system that can switch to diesel backup for extended operations. Each truck costs roughly $1.4 million — about $200,000 more than a traditional diesel pumper — but the city projects fuel and maintenance savings of $45,000 per vehicle annually.

The purchase was funded through a combination of federal Inflation Reduction Act grants and the city’s Climate Action capital fund. Honolulu joins Los Angeles, Seattle, and Amsterdam as cities deploying electric fire apparatus.

HFD plans to install Level 3 DC fast chargers at 10 stations by September. Training for crews on the new vehicles begins next month, with full deployment expected by October.