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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Derek Wing, Communications Supervisor
dwing@redmond.gov, 425-556-5844
From left: Megan Utemei, Sen. Patty Murray’s Office; Keri Pravitz, Amazon; Melissa Stuart, Redmond City Council; Vanessa Kritzer, Redmond City Council President; Sarah Perry, King County Councilmember; Patty Kuderer, Washington State Insurance Commissioner; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Redmond Deputy Fire Chief Jim Whitney; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Osman Salahuddin Redmond City Councilmember and State Representative, 48th District; Senator Vandana Slatter; Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember; Kelly O’Callahan, Department of Ecology; WA State Rep. Roger Goodman; Jeralee Anderson, Redmond City Councilmember; Jessica Forsythe, Redmond City Council Vice President; Varisha Khan, Former Redmond City Councilmember.
Redmond Celebrates Arrival of First Electric Fire Engine in Washington State
REDMOND, WA—The City of Redmond celebrated the arrival of its first electric fire engine with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Redmond City Hall on Saturday, Feb. 1. The new engine is the first electric fire engine to enter service in Washington state. It will benefit the health of our community, firefighters, and the environment while matching or exceeding the capability of traditional diesel engines to keep Redmond safe.
"The unveiling of the first-ever electric fire truck in our state is not just a testament to our commitment to innovation—it’s a bold step forward in our dedication to sustainability, safety, and the well-being of our community," said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. "As we embrace the future, we are proud to lead the way in creating a safer, cleaner, and more resilient world for generations to come."
The new engine is a Pierce Volterra electric pumper truck produced by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, WI. While it is designed to operate in all-electric mode, it does have a backup diesel engine built in for added range, and extended pumping operations when necessary.
The electric engine is an important step toward Redmond’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions from city operations by 2030. Traditional diesel engines emit 18 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.13 metric tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) per year. The Volterra will emit zero while utilizing its electric-only mode and will save the department approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Diesel engine exhaust can also contribute to negative health effects. When operating in electric-only mode the Volterra will have zero harmful emissions, protecting the lungs of firefighters and community members.
Additionally, the Volterra will perform as well or better than traditional fire engines during emergency responses. The new engine incorporates design enhancements to improve the vehicle's maneuverability through tight spaces and allow faster access to equipment when firefighters arrive on the scene. It is rated to pump 2,000 gallons per minute, the same as Redmond’s other pumper trucks. The Volterra has an 80-mile electric-only range, far greater than the 25 miles that a typical Redmond engine covers daily, and with the diesel engine the truck can easily cover over 200 miles before refueling. A normal rapid recharge for the Volterra battery will take less than 15 minutes.
“By deploying the first electric fire engine in our region, we're proving that environmental stewardship and emergency response can work hand in hand,” said Redmond Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard. “This isn't just an upgrade to our fleet—it's a blueprint for how modern fire departments can protect both our community and our planet.”
The new engine is a remarkable investment for Redmond, delivering both innovation and significant cost savings. While a traditional diesel engine would typically cost nearly $1 million, this cutting-edge engine and its charging infrastructure—originally priced at $2.4 million—will cost the City of Redmond just $264,600, thanks to generous grants and donations. Funding from the Washington Department of Ecology, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puget Sound Energy, and contributions from community partners like Amazon and Microsoft made this forward-thinking project possible.
The new engine will be based at Station 12 in Overlake. Fire Station 11 in Downtown is also being fitted with charging infrastructure, thanks to Puget Sound Energy, and the department plans to acquire another Volterra soon.
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