Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments around the nation have been looking at ways to reduce different types of pollution, including atmospheric as well as noise. During the past decade, three fire apparatus manufacturers have designed and deployed electric fire trucks.
Now, ambulance manufacturers have joined the fray, particularly Demers Ambulances, which recently introduced the eFX ambulance (photo 1), a purpose-built unit designed by and for first responders. The “e” refers to the electric chassis, and the “FX” refers to the module of the ambulance.
ORIGINS
Although only recently introduced, the eFX ambulance has been many years in the making. According to Vanessa Bomboir, director marketing U.S., “Eight years ago, Demers Ambulances embarked on a journey to reinvent the meaning of ambulance transportation and design,” she says. “It was designed to improve the safety of ambulance technicians, the comfort of patients, and the future of our planet—at a lower overall cost. Purpose-built for first responders, the eFXambulance is the result of a unique collaboration with partners from the emergency health services community and Lion Electric.”
The reasons a fire or EMS department chooses to investigate electric vehicles vary. Sometimes the department is looking to reduce its carbon footprint, while sometimes it is the municipality driving adoption. According to Bomboir, initial demand is coming from early adopters, which are in cities with electrification initiatives across all fleets. Already Demers is planning future models. “We are looking into the various needs of our customers to define what would be the next model to add to our lineup,” says Bomboir.
THE ELECTRIC AMBULANCE
The Demers eFX ambulance is a Type III all-electric ambulance that is designed by and for first responders—a purpose-built ambulance ergonomically designed for EMS safety, health, and comfort. The patient compartment is 184 inches long and 96 inches wide. There are 72 inches of headroom. The patient compartment is in the FX module (photo 2) and is 20% larger than the Demers MX 164 model to optimize crew comfort and mobility while providing optimal access to patients. Its FX Action Seats (photo 3) offer first responders freedom of movement and accessibility to patients and equipment while remaining belted with a one- click four-point harness seat belt. An ultra-wide Passthrough Window (electric) optimizes visual communication among the crew and privacy and reduces noise. Swiveling drawers promotea natural workflow, with everything within reach of the FX Action Seats. They offer adjustable positioning, and equipment remains secured with an electrical release system. A pivoting writing surface is above the drawers. The Patient Load Extender (photo 4) raises the cot 3 inches to improve ergonomics and comfort while treating patients.
Demers Ambulances designed the FX Action Seats and manufactures them. Their design allows first responders to maneuver using legs, releasing hands to care for patients, yet the seats are stabilized to help EMTs perform critical tasks. They are installed near the stretcher to prevent unbuckling and have an emergency lock rated to 26G acceleration. There is a belt and occupant sensor for driver awareness.
The FX module is mounted on the Lion5 all-electric ambulance chassis, which is manufactured by Lion Electric. According to Bomboir, this is the first chassis in North America explicitly designed for EMS. “The Lion5 chassis was built from the ground up to seamlessly integrate with the Demers FX module,” she says. “The body mounting points, cutaway cab design, factory-installed adaptive independent suspension, and high voltage interface were all designed specifically for the application.” She adds that the eFX is built on a cutaway chassis designed to provide the range, gradeability, and loading height expected of an ambulance. The Lion5 is a commercially available electric vehicle.
Cabin length is 74.3 inches, cabin height is 93.2 inches, wheelbase is 140 inches, and GVWR is 21,500 pounds. Its kneeling/lowering capacity is 3.2 inches for easy and comfortable ingress and egress, and its front approach angle is 18 degrees. The chassis maximum speed is 75 miles per hour. It features a DANA TM4 Sumo MD motor.
The front cabin (photo 5) is ergonomically designed for EMT comfort, health, and safety, featuring a cab with improved reclining space, optimal leg and shoulder room, front and side visibility, cup holders and storage space for personal belongings, and easy access to electronic interfaces and charging ports.
One screen controls all ambulance functions, centralizing them into a single ergonomic interface specifically designed for the eFX. Emergency functions, lights, sirens, suspensions, HVAC, interior and exterior cameras, and all functionality settings are controlled with a 15-inch touchscreen. EMS providers can also project their cell phone, computer, or tablet to display their dispatch system, documents, or any other media. Emergency controls are integrated within the steering wheel.
UNIQUE AMBULANCE NEEDS
Just like fire apparatus have special requirements that must be figured into an electric fire truck’s design, so do ambulances. For example, ambulances need continuous electric sources for 120 VAC and 12 VDC for the EMTs to provide the full spectrum of patient care. The HVAC systems must perform to meet standards and expectations. The temperature must be within the prescribed range for patient and EMT comfort, as EMTs will be in the vehicle for a significant amount of time. The rear loading height is critical to ensure compatibility with existing cots. The overall weight has to be minimized to improve range. All energy efficiency initiatives must be implemented to increase range.
MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Keeping an electric vehicle up and running is a little different, and there are a number of things to consider.
For example, Bomboir says that electric vehicles in general require very little maintenance compared with combustion engine vehicles because of the significant reduction in the quantity of moving parts. That said, regular brake and tire maintenance still applies as well as routine liquid level verifications. The Lion5’s maintenance manual provides all the details regarding proper care of the electric ambulance.
Bomboir says that while the price of an electric vehicle is going to be higher than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles tend to be more cost-efficient over their life cycles. Demers works with its partners and internal teams to determine the total cost of ownership, which includes the purchase price andoperating costs over a unit’s life span.
EMS stations will need to add charging infrastructure that includes a DC fast charge charging station to support the eFX ambulance.
The Demers eFX ambulance is suitable for any market segment (municipal, hospital, private EMS, fire) that is based in an urban environment and has a community supportive of electric ecosystem and infrastructure. “Feedback has been extremely positive, and we continue to expect the eFX to be in demand by customers looking to transition to an all-electric platform,” says Kris Turner, U.S. channel development director. “The demand is being driven by the Lion5 chassis as well as the innovative safety design of the patient compartment.”
CHRIS McLOONE, editor in chief of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, is a 31-year veteran of the fire service currently serving as a safety officer and is a former assistant chief with Weldon Fire Company (Glenside, PA). He has served on past apparatus and equipment purchasing committees. He has also held engineering officer positions, where he was responsible for apparatus maintenance and inspection. He has been a writer and an editor for more than 30 years.
