Equipmake develops electric fire engine charging system
Equipmake unveils ZEPA V2V system at Cenex Expo 2025
Equipmake[1] has announced the development of the ZEPA V2V project, a new auxiliary power system designed for electric fire engines. According to Equipmake, the system was presented at Cenex Expo 2025 in the UK following a year-long project funded by the Department for Business and Trade and facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. The initiative has been led by Equipmake in collaboration with Emergency One, London Fire Brigade and Cenex.
It is designed to support fire services in adopting fully battery[2]-electric fleets. The technology addresses one of the key challenges for electric fire appliances: sustaining water pumping during long operations without interruption. Equipmake explained that the system enables one electric fire engine to supply power directly to another, maintaining continuous operation.
London Fire Brigade to begin live trials
Equipmake confirmed that the system has been installed on a fire engine[3] now ready for demonstration.
At Cenex Expo 2025, two fully electric fire engines were displayed, one fitted with the ZEPA V2V system. London Fire Brigade will begin live service trials of the technology in the coming months. Equipmake said the trial will test the system's capacity to maintain pumping functions during extended operational deployments in London.
The company added that the trial will form part of efforts to evaluate the technology's readiness for wider use across emergency services.
Technical specifications and system design
Equipmake reported that the ZEPA V2V solution can be fitted to any electric vehicle and transfers power at over 200kW. It explained that the system connects via the CCS2 protocol, allowing flexible use across vehicle types. The company added that the system is intended to replicate the role of a bowser vehicle, supplying energy to frontline firefighting appliances.
According to Equipmake, the project was created to maintain operational resilience in the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The firm noted that the auxiliary battery system is designed for easy integration into emergency service fleets.
Wider industry applications for electric power transfer
Equipmake explained that while the ZEPA V2V system was developed for fire services, it has wider uses. The company said the technology could support off-highway applications, such as in construction or mining, where power continuity is essential.
It added that a vehicle loaded with batteries could act as an "electric bowser", replacing discharged units to enable 24-hour operation. According to Equipmake, the system may also be deployed in logistics depots or disaster relief operations. The firm indicated that Cenex is examining potential markets for broader application of the technology.
Partner perspectives on the project
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. Equipmake has been proud to lead on this project working side-by-side with our expert consortium partners, Emergency One, London Fire Brigade and Cenex. 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. Equipmake's position as a leader in the design, development and manufacture of efficient electric powertrain technology puts us at the forefront of enabling these industries to decarbonise without compromising performance." Elliot Boyce, Project Manager from Emergency One, said: "As the UK's leading manufacturer of fire appliances - and a trusted manufacturer to fire services across the globe - Emergency One is proud to remain at the forefront of innovation within the fire and rescue sector.
"Through close collaboration with key stakeholders and partial funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), we've continued to advance our EV0 range, now introducing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging capability. "London Fire Brigade is a key customer, and we're honoured to supply their frontline pumping appliances. Following the successful delivery of their first electric vehicle, we're delighted to provide a second - now enhanced with V2V functionality, further supporting their commitment to sustainable emergency response."
APC CEO Ian Constance said: "The Demonstrate grant enables UK businesses to rapidly develop automotive products with a clear route to market. It is great to see concepts that will go into real-world vehicles, helping the UK achieve its net zero goals." Steve Carroll, Head of Research and Technical Services, Cenex, said: "ZEPA V2V showcases how innovation and collaboration can provide effective solutions to the challenges of decarbonising emergency services.
"By working closely with fire and rescue stakeholders, we are ensuring that this technology is not only technically sound but also relevant to operational needs. This approach paves the way for achieving zero emission resilience across blue light fleets and beyond."
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development directly affects fire and rescue operations by addressing one of the main barriers to adopting electric appliances. The ZEPA V2V system allows emergency services to maintain continuous operations without returning to base for recharging.
It also offers a pathway for integrating zero-emission vehicles into emergency response without compromising resilience. The system's upcoming trial with London Fire Brigade will provide insight into its effectiveness and potential adoption across other fire services. Equipmake has announced the ZEPA V2V auxiliary power system for electric fire engines.
The project was funded by the Department for Business and Trade and facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. Emergency One, London Fire Brigade and Cenex collaborated with Equipmake on the development. The system enables one electric fire engine to power another to maintain uninterrupted operation.
Two electric fire engines, including one fitted with the ZEPA V2V system, were displayed at Cenex Expo 2025. London Fire Brigade will conduct live trials of the system in the coming months. The ZEPA V2V system can deliver power transfer above 200kW using the CCS2 protocol.
It can be integrated into other industries, including construction, mining, logistics and disaster relief.
Partners have stated that the system supports the UK's net zero goals.
Cenex is examining wider applications and potential markets for the technology.