Rosenbauer, the world’s largest fire service vehicle manufacturer, and MAN Truck & Bus, a multiple market leader in fire service and municipal vehicles, are set to cause a sensation at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 with a world first: for the first time, Rosenbauer is presenting its L32A-XS electric aerial ladder on the recently launched MAN eTGM chassis. The two manufacturers are combining fully electric chassis technology with zero-emission and exceptionally quiet ladder operation. At less than 16 tonnes gross weight and a rear axle load of under 10 tonnes, the vehicle is the first of its kind to fall below the weight limits applicable to fire service deployment areas in Germany. It also complies with the key performance standard DIN EN 14043 for fully automatic aerial ladders of class 23/12, which specifies that the vehicle must be capable of rescuing persons from a height of 23 metres at a horizontal distance of 12 metres. The first operational vehicle will be officially handed over to the Institut der Feuerwehr Nordrhein-Westfalen (IdF NRW) as the first customer during the trade show.
“By mounting the L32A-XS electric on the fully electric MAN eTGM chassis, we have achieved what no other manufacturer has managed to date. We are producing what is currently the world’s lightest aerial ladder vehicle on a battery-electric chassis. It combines Rosenbauer’s proven aerial ladder technology with the benefits of zero-emission and exceptionally quiet operation. The vehicle is particularly well suited for deployments in urban environments, as well as for applications at airports, in industrial fire brigades and in training — even for use indoors,” says Andreas Zeller, Sales Director of Rosenbauer International AG.
“Thanks to the modular battery concept of our electric trucks, we are able to meet all weight requirements from 12 to 50 tonnes. Our new MAN eTGM is perfectly suited for body solutions up to 16 tonnes and is therefore the ideal combination for this first fully electric aerial ladder vehicle that complies with all relevant fire service standards. We are very proud to be taking this major step in the electrification of fire service vehicles together with Rosenbauer,” says Friedrich Baumann, Executive Vice President Sales & Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus.
“We are consistently expanding the use of electric technologies in our training operations. Following the procurement of an RT from Rosenbauer, the L32A-XS electric now also gives us access to an aerial ladder under 16 tonnes that can be deployed in regular service without additional approvals or special inspections. This is a milestone in our training and operational practice,” says Marcel Völkert from IdF NRW.
Efficient and Quiet in Operation
The Rosenbauer L32A-XS electric, based on the MAN eTGM, combines full operational capability with locally zero-emission and exceptionally quiet operation. The MAN eCD210 central drive unit, which comprises the electric motor and the MAN TipMatic 2-speed gearbox, is positioned in the centre of the vehicle frame and delivers a continuous output of 210 kW (285 hp) and a torque of 800 Newton metres. A high-torque mechanical power take-off (mPTO) drives the aerial ladder. The Emergency drive programme, developed specifically for emergency vehicles, works in conjunction with the powerful drivetrain to optimise driving dynamics in favour of maximum acceleration.
Power is supplied by two lithium-ion batteries with a combined gross capacity of 178 kWh (160 kWh usable). In urban operation, this is sufficient for up to ten typical deployments, each covering approximately eight kilometres, without intermediate charging; in rural areas, approximately four deployments with a typical response distance of around 20 kilometres. The batteries are charged via DC at up to 250 kW in approximately 33 minutes (from 5 to 80 per cent).
Rosenbauer L32A-XS Aerial Ladder with Electric Ladder Drive
With the L32A-XS electric, Rosenbauer has consistently advanced its aerial ladder technology for particularly challenging deployments. The aerial ladder vehicle is designed specifically for use in highly confined situations. The extremely tight operating radius, made possible by the XS principle, enables precise movements of the ladder set. Stepless raising of the rescue cage along building façades is just as achievable as rotating the entire ladder set in the tightest of spaces. The L32A-XS electric therefore offers optimal conditions for deployments in narrow alleyways and densely built-up urban areas — while maintaining a high level of safety throughout.
The tiltable cage arm further extends operational versatility, particularly when positioning the ladder at windows and working over obstacles. The high-performance hydraulics ensure short set-up times, while Rosenbauer’s proven horizontal-vertical outrigger system and 3D load measurement guarantee maximum safety.
The vehicle features six equipment compartments with roller shutter closures as well as full LED lighting from the outriggers to the platform and through to the cage. The rescue cage offers a payload of up to 500 kg (five persons) and, thanks to the fully opening cage front, also enables the safe transport of persons in wheelchairs. For person rescue, as is standard on all Rosenbauer aerial ladders, the cage stretcher bracket including the cage stretcher can also be stored on the cage floor. An integrated water supply and a mountable monitor additionally make the cage fully operational for firefighting. With the L32A-XS electric on the new MAN eTGM chassis, Rosenbauer once again underlines its capacity for innovation and sets new benchmarks for quiet and low-emission aerial ladder technology — whilst maintaining full operational capability in day-to-day fire service use.
The MAN eTGM — Modular Versatility and High Body Compatibility
The MAN eTGM chassis is based on the modular MAN BEV platform, with components also used in the 12-tonne MAN eTGL as well as the larger MAN eTGS and eTGX with gross train weights of up to 50 tonnes, including high-voltage architecture, thermal management and battery systems. In the MAN eTGM, this concept allows the installation of two or four battery packs with a total gross capacity of up to 356 kWh and ranges of up to 480 kilometres, as well as high efficiency through recuperation — particularly in stop-and-go operation. Body-friendly interfaces, optimised wheelbases and the standard mPTO make the chassis ideal for demanding body applications such as fire service aerial ladders or other municipal uses.
About the Rosenbauer Group
Rosenbauer is an internationally operating group and a trusted partner to fire services around the world. The company develops and manufactures vehicles, firefighting technology, equipment and digital solutions for professional, industrial, works and volunteer fire brigades, as well as systems for preventive fire protection. Rosenbauer is represented by a sales and service network in approximately 110 countries. With revenue of €1,429.0 million and 4,922 employees (as at 31 December 2025), the Group is the world’s largest fire service equipment manufacturer.
About the Institut der Feuerwehr Nordrhein-Westfalen (IdF)
The Institut der Feuerwehr NRW, with now more than 220 members of staff, is the largest fire service training and further education institution in Germany. For approximately 90 years, the Institute’s objective has been the optimal preparation of fire service personnel, civil protection staff and crisis management teams for dealing with complex tasks and incident scenarios.
