- Rosenbauer has introduced a fully electric version of the diesel Panther 6×6 truck.
- The Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle has a combined output of 1,200 hp.
- A diesel-powered “Energy Backup System” ensures continuous use of the pump.
Hearing the words EV and fire in the same sentence might inadvertently trigger some alarm bells, but in the case of the Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 Electric, that reaction couldn’t be further from the truth. This new firefighting truck from Austria is purpose-built for airport operations, pairing a fully electric powertrain with performance that not only aims to surpass its diesel counterparts but does so while delivering zero local emissions.
The Panther Electric is categorized as an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle), serving as the EV sibling to the diesel-powered Panther 6×6 and a direct evolution of a 2022 concept. Visually, the differences are subtle but meaningful: the EV model gets a distinctive set of LEDs that claim to improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Familiar Firefighting Tools
Despite its electric powertrain, the Panther’s firefighting credentials remain unchanged. It carries over the same robust extinguishing system as its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, including the pump, foam proportioning system, and turret. Its tanks boast a capacity of up to 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water, 1,450 liters (383 gallons) of foam, and 250 kilograms (551 pounds) of powder. That should be more than enough firepower—literally—to tackle high-stakes blazes on runways.
More: Electric Fire Truck Set To Battle Blazes In Arizona
The real revolution, however, is what lies beneath. The Panther 6×6 Electric features four electric motors with a combined output of 980 horsepower, which jumps to a staggering 1,200 horsepower when the boost mode is engaged. According to Rosenbauer, the 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) sprint can be completed in 19.7 seconds, leaving the diesel-powered Panther 6×6 in the dust.
Of course, comparisons with road cars are tempting, but hardly fair. Sure, a Dacia Spring could beat it off the line, but that’s hardly the point. For a vehicle of this purpose that weighs up to 80,000-85,000 pounds (40-42.5 tons) when loaded, such acceleration is genuinely impressive. At full throttle, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
The battery pack has a capacity of 256 kWh and is said to provide “sufficient energy for the two- to three-minute drive to the operation site, the discharge of the entire extinguishing agent, and the return trip in accordance with the requirements”.
During testing, prototypes reportedly completed “multiple trips” on a single charge, though the company has avoided committing to specific range figures. Given the Panther’s narrow use case—short bursts of high-intensity activity rather than long-haul cruising—this omission is understandable, though it does leave room for skepticism.
More: LAFD Takes Delivery Of First Electric Fire Truck In North America
The Panther supports 300 kW fast charging, allowing it to go from zero to 100 percent in 45 minutes. According to the company, more than 90% of the Panther’s daily duties can be handled purely on electric power. For the remaining 10%, there is an “Energy Backup System” diesel generator, ensuring continuous use of the high-performance pump in emergencies.
The Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 Electric is now available to order, though pricing remains undisclosed. The first pre-series units are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. Electrified vehicles like this play a crucial role in helping the aviation industry and airport operators progress toward their decarbonization goals.