The Los Angeles Fire Department has become the first in the country to order an electric fire engine, according to a department news release.

The fire engine is based on the Rosenbauer Concept Fire Truck (CFT). Austrian-based Rosenbauer first demoed the fire engine in Los Angeles last fall. The CFT will be customized to meet the specific needs of the LAFD

“I am excited that we are the first Department in North America to order this cutting-edge fire engine,” said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas in the news release. “The electric fire engine is an innovative tool that will help reduce noise and harmful diesel emissions while providing a flexible tool for firefighting and rescue operations from a technologically advanced platform. We are looking forward to evaluating it in a real-world environment once it hits the streets of Hollywood next year.”

The fire engine will have two batteries, providing 100 kilowatt hours, which should power operations for two hours. An onboard diesel generator can be used to operate beyond the batteries’ limits.

The LAFD expects to take possession of the new fire engine in early 2021, ushering in a new era for the department.