Specialist vehicle developed to tackle EV fires

A British firm has developed a new type of fire engine to tackle electric vehicle (EV) fires in underground and multi-storey car parks.

It was engineered by Prospeed Motorsport in York.

Based on a Toyota Hilux donor vehicle, the Hiload 6x6 Rapid Intervention Vehicle was built to address concerns among firefighters about accessing EVs in height-restricted areas.

While EVs re statistically less likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine car, incidents involving a lithium-ion battery can be far more serious and difficult to extinguish.

The Hiload’s height is1,850mm - less than some large SUVs and low enough to allow access to the majority of parking structures. It also results in a lower centre of gravity and better stability in high-speed manoeuvres.

The vehicle is fitted with an entirely new chassis and a torque splitter system, enabling a rated 5,600Kg Gross Vehicle Weight and a 3,000Kg payload. 

Away from urban car park environments, the enhanced traction and reduced ground pressure resulting from a 6-wheel drive set-up can also prove invaluable for tackling fires in remote and challenging environments such as forests and heathland. The HILOAD can get to these fires faster while carrying more crew, water and equipment into wild terrain.

A Hiload is currently being trialled in the Czech Republic, with the vehicle specifically developed to tackle EV battery fires and assist with fast response occupant extraction. It is already part of one EV car manufacturer’s firefighting fleet.