A new emergency vehicle charging system is being showcased at the Cenex Expo 2025 show – technology which could transform the firefighting sector’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.
At the show held in UTAC Millbrook, two fully electric fire engines have been on display, one with the ZEPA V2V installed – an auxiliary power system that connects the batteries of multiple electric fire engines.
The high-power vehicle-to-vehicle system can be fitted to any EV and can transfer power at more than 200kW. Connection to other vehicles is via the CCS2 protocol.
It also allows an electric ‘bowser vehicle’ to supply power directly to a firefighting appliance, enabling continuous operation without interruption, all with zero emissions at the point of use.
Work started on the ZEPA V2V initiative a year ago, led by Equipmake alongside its expert consortium partners, Emergency One, London Fire Brigade and Cenex.
The project has received funding from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).
In the coming months, London Fire Brigade will trial the technology in live service in the capital.
Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, said, “The ZEPA V2V project showcases how our advanced energy management systems can solve one of the biggest operational challenges in electrifying specialist heavy vehicles.
“For the firefighting sector, this technology means extended, uninterrupted, and entirely zero-emission pumping capability.
“We look forward to the trial of the technology in the capital over the coming months.
“Beyond firefighting, the potential applications are enormous – from construction to disaster relief – wherever there’s a need for sustained high-power operations in the field.”
