Recently, MAN Truck & Bus, in collaboration with the globally renowned fire truck manufacturer Rosenbauer, made a significant debut at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Germany. They unveiled the world's first vehicle of its kind: the Rosenbauer L32A-XS electric aerial ladder fire truck. This model is the first to be mounted on the new MAN eTGM all-electric dedicated chassis, deeply integrating advanced pure-electric chassis technology with zero-emission, ultra-quiet electric aerial ladder systems to establish a new benchmark in the firefighting aerial equipment sector.

　　With a gross vehicle weight under 16 tons and a rear axle load below 10 tons, this truck is the first in its class to comply with German fire service area load limits. At the same time, it meets the core performance standards DIN EN 14043 for fully automatic aerial platforms, enabling rescue operations at heights of 23 meters within a 12-meter working radius. During the exhibition, the first production model was officially handed over to its initial customer, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Fire Service Academy (IdF NRW).

　　Andreas Zeller, International Sales Director at Rosenbauer, stated: "Mounting the L32A-XS electric aerial ladder on the MAN eTGM chassis has allowed us to achieve an unprecedented breakthrough. This vehicle combines Rosenbauer's proven aerial ladder technology with zero-emission, ultra-quiet operation, making it suitable for urban environments, airports, industrial fire brigades, training scenarios, and even indoor use." Friedrich Baumann, Executive Vice President of Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, added: "With MAN's modular battery concept for electric trucks, we can meet load requirements across the entire range from 12 to 50 tons. The new MAN eTGM chassis is the ideal base for this 16-ton class conversion, making it the perfect platform for this all-electric aerial ladder fire truck. We are extremely proud to partner with Rosenbauer in taking this crucial step towards the electrification of firefighting vehicles." Marcel Völkert, representing the North Rhine-Westphalia State Fire Service Academy, commented: "We are actively promoting the integration of electric technologies in our training operations. The L32A-XS electric model gives us an aerial platform under 16 tons that can be deployed without additional permits or special inspections. This is a significant milestone for our training and practical operations."

Efficient and Silent: Exceptional Performance

　　Built on the MAN eTGM chassis, the Rosenbauer L32A-XS electric aerial ladder fire truck achieves local zero-emission, ultra-quiet operation while retaining full operational capabilities. The vehicle features the MAN eCD210 central drive unit, which integrates the electric motor with the MAN TipMatic 2-speed transmission. Positioned centrally in the frame, it delivers a continuous power output of 210 kW (285 hp) and a torque of 800 N·m. A high-torque mechanical power take-off (mPTO) supplies power to the aerial ladder. An emergency driving mode, developed specifically for emergency vehicles and paired with this powerful powertrain, further optimizes driving dynamics for superior acceleration.

　　The vehicle is equipped with two lithium-ion battery packs, offering a total capacity of 178 kWh and a usable capacity of 160 kWh. In urban conditions, it can handle approximately 10 standard calls (each about 8 kilometers in range) without intermediate charging; in suburban conditions, it can manage about 4 calls (with a response range of about 20 kilometers each). With DC fast charging up to 250 kW, the battery can be charged from 5% to 80% in approximately 33 minutes.

Pure-Electric Drive: Flexible and Precise

　　With the L32A-XS electric model, Rosenbauer has comprehensively updated its aerial ladder technology for complex and extreme operational scenarios. The vehicle is specifically tailored for confined and restricted spaces, leveraging the XS compact design for a minimal working turning radius and highly precise platform control. The rescue cage can be smoothly raised and lowered along building facades without stepping, while the entire ladder system can also rotate flexibly within tight spaces. This makes it highly adaptable to complex environments such as narrow alleys and dense urban areas, ensuring operational flexibility and safety throughout.

　　The tiltable boom further expands operational flexibility, facilitating platform placement near windows and obstacle clearance. A high-performance hydraulic system significantly reduces setup time. Combined with Rosenbauer's proven outrigger system and 3D load monitoring technology, it maximizes operational safety.

　　The vehicle is equipped with six roller-shutter equipment compartments, with full LED lighting from the outriggers to the work platform and rescue cage. The rescue cage has a rated load of 500 kg (accommodating up to 5 people), and its full-opening door design allows for the safe transfer of wheelchair users. The cage floor comes standard with stretcher fixtures and a rescue stretcher for personnel transport. The integrated water supply system and mounted fire monitor provide complete firefighting capabilities.

Modular Design, Ready for Bodybuilding

　　The MAN eTGM chassis is built on a modular all-electric (BEV) platform. Its core components—including the high-voltage electrical architecture, thermal management system, and battery system—are also used in the 12-ton MAN eTGL and the up to 50-ton MAN eTGS and eTGX models. This platform allows the eTGM to be equipped with either two or four battery packs, offering a total capacity of up to 356 kWh and a range of up to 480 kilometers. Regenerative braking technology ensures high efficiency in frequent start-stop conditions. The chassis features standardized interfaces for bodybuilding, optimized wheelbases, and a standard mechanical power take-off, making it an ideal choice for demanding body applications like aerial platforms and various municipal operations. Since its establishment, the academy has been dedicated to providing professional training for firefighters, civil protection personnel, and emergency management teams, enabling them to effectively handle diverse challenges and emergencies.