Cary, N.C. (July 24, 2025) – The Cary Fire department has officially placed into service the first electric fire truck on the East Coast — a groundbreaking addition to both the Town’s fleet and the future of firefighting in the region. The Pierce ® Volterra™ electric pumper is a cutting-edge addition to Cary’s fire fleet and a powerful step forward in the Town’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and operational resiliency.
On June 20, the Volterra was first on the scene at a residential structure fire.
The truck had responded to calls earlier that day and arrived with 87% battery. It pumped several lines for over three hours and left the scene with 42% battery remaining.
By the time firefighters finished decontaminating back at the station, the Volterra had recharged to nearly 90% and was ready for the next call.
Crews praised the electric pumper’s quiet operation, which created a calmer and safer working environment. Without the roar of a diesel engine, firefighters could hear each other more clearly in the cab, on the ground, and through dispatch headsets, supporting sharper focus and seamless coordination during a high-stakes response.
“Reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to public safety — it’s the foundation of every decision we make about fire response equipment,” said Fire Chief Mike Cooper. “That’s why we chose the Pierce Volterra. It delivers the performance and dependability we require while supporting Cary’s broader goals around sustainability and innovation.
“As part of our long-term planning for apparatus replacement, we saw an opportunity to advance our sustainability and resiliency goals in a way that also strengthens operations. The Volterra allows us to go even further in reducing emissions and meeting the expectations of an environmentally conscious community.”
With the ability to operate in full-electric mode and seamlessly transition to diesel backup when needed, the Volterra is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% over its expected 20-year lifespan. Cary’s Volterra electric pumper also features a 500-gallon water tank, a 1,500 gallons per minute (GPM) pump, advanced safety systems, and fast-charge capability that enables a full recharge in approximately 15 minutes. The electric pumper cost $1.8 million – a strategic investment in both innovation and public safety.
“This investment reflects Cary’s values,” said Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar. “We strive to lead with purpose and foresight, and the Volterra electric fire truck is a symbol of our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility while keeping public safety our number one priority.”
This addition builds on Cary’s broader sustainability goals, including the Town’s 2012 Strategic Energy Action Plan and the newly adopted Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy. The Volterra is housed at Cary Fire Station 9, supported by a fast-charging infrastructure built in partnership with Cary-based ABB, a multinational corporation specializing in electrical engineering, industrial automation, robotics, and electrification.
To learn more about the electric fire truck, visit carync.gov/volterra.
For more information about Cary’s sustainability and fire operations, visit carync.gov/greenfleet.
About Cary, North Carolina
With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of around 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park region. Consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and visit, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its “people first” philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov/about and follow us on social media @caryncgov.
About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.
