Gilbert (AZ) Fire and Rescue has signed on to buy a Volterra electric fire truck from Pierce manufacturing with delivery expected in 2024, according to a report published by East Valley Tribune.
Gilbert was given assurances by Pierce that they could return the truck anytime during the first five years of service if it didn’t work for the community and, at the end of the five-year contract, Gilbert would own the apparatus for $775,000, about half the cost of $1.4 million, according to the report. In exchange, Pierce would collect information about the battery performance in a hot climate, the report added.
In addition, the department will spend $270,000 for the electric vehicle charger, according to the published report.
Further, Gilbert expects to save money on maintenance costs and reduce emissions as a result of the decision to acquire the electric pumper, says the report. Additionally, Pierce has agreed to give Gilbert a $50,000 discount on each of the electric trucks it buys in the future, up to 10, the report added.