FDNY Has the Most Sustainable Fire Services Fleet in the Nation

Fire departments across the United States and around the world are beginning a major shift toward electric vehicles. Once seen as impractical for emergency response, EVs are now proving to be reliable, cost effective, and better suited for the future of public safety. From command SUVs and ambulances to fully electric fire engines, departments are discovering that electrification offers real operational advantages.

At the 2025 NYC Fleet Show in Flushing Meadows Corona Park In May, Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis A. Molina and FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced the purchase of 30 new all electric vehicles for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). This addition will double FDNY’s current electric fleet and includes the City’s first four electric paramedic response units. These new vehicles will expand Advanced Life Support availability and help reduce emergency response times across the city.

The investment reflects New York City’s continued commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening emergency medical services. Alongside fully electric vehicles, the FDNY fleet also includes hybrids, alternative power units, solar equipped ambulances, and renewable diesel. FDNY now operates the most sustainable fire services fleet in the nation.

Through this purchase, FDNY is rolling out 11 Ford Mustang Mach-E crossovers, 13 Ford F-150 Lightning pickups, 5 Chevrolet Blazer EV SUVs, and 1 Ford E-Transit cargo van. FDNY uses an additional 42 on and off-road electric vehicles in non-emergency support roles currently.

The new electric vehicles are assigned to EMS Stations 18, 26, and 55 in the Bronx. The paramedic response units will significantly improve response efficiency for high priority, life threatening emergencies, which account for about 35 percent of FDNY EMS call volume. Under the traditional model, ALS transport units remain with a patient for the full duration of a call, averaging about 75 minutes, even when transport is not required. With the PRU model, paramedics can transfer non critical patients to basic life support units and return to service more quickly. When a call is confirmed as life threatening, the PRU continues treatment during transport.

FDNY now operates 33 charging ports, including its first fast charger installed at EMS 18 to support the expanded EV fleet. Beyond full electrification, the department continues to advance sustainable upgrades across its emergency vehicles. Since Local Law 72 of 2013, nearly every city ambulance has been outfitted with plug in hybrid alternative power units, with 634 of 636 now equipped. Solar panels have been installed on 350 ambulances, with 150 more on order, helping recharge onboard systems and reduce dependence on plug in charging. All FDNY vehicles have also transitioned to renewable diesel as part of a citywide initiative.

These efforts support the City’s Clean Fleet Plan first introduced in 2015. New York surpassed its original goal of 2,000 electric vehicles ahead of schedule and exceeded 5,000 EVs in May 2024. This latest purchase keeps the City on track to surpass 6,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2025.

New York City operates the largest municipal fleet in the nation and continues to lead on fleet sustainability through electrification, solar power, and biofuels. These initiatives support the City’s long term goals of reducing fleet emissions by 50 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why EVs are a Good Idea for Fire Departments

One of the biggest drivers behind the transition is operating cost. Traditional fire vehicles consume large amounts of fuel while idling at scenes, during training, and while stationed on standby. Electric vehicles eliminate fuel costs almost entirely and drastically reduce maintenance expenses. There are no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less wear on braking systems due to regenerative braking. Over the life of a vehicle, these savings can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, allowing departments to redirect funds toward staffing, equipment, and community programs.

Reliability is another key factor. Electric powertrains provide instant torque, which improves acceleration and responsiveness during emergency calls. EVs also experience fewer mechanical failures compared to diesel engines, which rely on complex exhaust, transmission, and fuel systems. For fire departments, reliability is not a convenience. It is a mission critical requirement.

Health and safety concerns are also accelerating adoption. Diesel exhaust inside fire stations has long been linked to increased cancer risk among firefighters. Even with modern ventilation systems, exposure remains a concern. Electric vehicles eliminate tailpipe emissions entirely, improving air quality inside stations and reducing long term health risks for crews. This benefit alone has made electrification a priority for many municipal departments.

EV fire engines and support vehicles also offer a powerful new capability through onboard energy storage. Many electric fire trucks can supply power directly to tools, lights, medical equipment, and even buildings during outages. This transforms emergency vehicles into mobile power stations, enhancing disaster response during hurricanes, wildfires, and grid failures. In some areas, departments are already integrating vehicle to grid technology to stabilize local power systems during emergencies.

Noise reduction is another unexpected advantage. Electric fire vehicles operate far more quietly than diesel trucks. This improves communication among responders at scenes and reduces stress for both crews and civilians. It also allows departments to conduct nighttime operations, training, and station departures with less disruption to surrounding neighborhoods.

Climate and regulatory pressure are also shaping purchasing decisions. Many cities and states now have aggressive emissions reduction targets, and municipal fleets are often required to lead the transition. Fire departments are a highly visible part of public service, and electrifying their fleets sends a strong message about community commitment to clean energy and sustainability.