After being sidelined in January, the ACT’s $1.6 million hybrid electric fire truck has been taken off the road again, this time due to battery problems.

An ACT Auditor-General report criticised the purchase process, finding it failed to properly assess value for money. In response, the government has accepted most of the report’s recommendations to improve transparency and future procurement decisions.

The Emergency Services Agency says Canberrans safety has not been affected, with reserve trucks covering any gaps. While there are no immediate plans to buy more electric fire trucks, the agency remains committed to a longer-term shift toward more sustainable vehicles.