EMS Vehicle Power Systems: Know Your Options

EMS Vehicle Power Systems

Power is the heartbeat of your EMS vehicle. From life-saving equipment to climate control, it all runs on one of these systems. The question isn’t “what’s best?” – it’s “what’s best for you?”

We’re here to help you cut through the noise and pick the solution that fits your operation, your budget, and your team.

Options at a Glance

Choosing the right power system starts with understanding what each option brings to the table. Below is a quick snapshot comparing the three primary systems we support. You’ll see how they stack up when it comes to idle reduction, fuel efficiency, cost, and overall field performance – so you can match the right solution to your department’s priorities.

	Onan Generator	MEPS (Underhood)	hPower (Battery)
Idle Reduction	Operator Controlled	No	Automated (40–50%)
Upfront Cost	$	$$	$$$
Annual Fuel Cost	$4,850	Negligible	40–50% fuel savings
Preventive Maintenance	Oil and filter change every 150 Onan hrs	Generator refurbishment every 2,500 engine hrs	Alternator replacement every 3–7 mo
Install Complexity	Easy	Moderate	Complex
Support & Documentation	Wide network	Limited	Limited
Typical Fleet Uptake¹	49% share	44% share	7% share
Time in Market	30+ years	10+ years	5+ years

Note: For comparison only. Actual costs and fuel savings will vary.
¹Based on 2023 customer selections

Which Power System
Matches Your Mission?

Every EMS operation is different: urban vs. rural, high call volume vs. standby-heavy, budget-conscious vs. future-focused. That’s why no single power system is right for everyone. In the comparison below, we’ve broken down each option based on how it performs in real-world scenarios, so you can find the best match for your department’s mission and workflow.

hPower

Ideal if you need:

Silent operation (urban, standby, hospitals)
Lower fuel costs & emissions
Future-ready, advanced power tech

Considerations:
Limited field service familiarity
Alternator replacements required in high-use fleets

MEPS

Ideal if you need:

A balance of cost and fuel efficiency
Compact design that uses the chassis engine

Considerations:
Generator refurbishment required in high-use fleets

Onan

Ideal if you need:

Proven tech & national support
Field-replaceable & easy to service
Simple install and operation

Considerations:
Built-in idle mitigation
Higher fuel use

What Are Other
EMS Agencies Choosing?

We support departments of all sizes: from high-volume metro systems to rural volunteer EMS – and every customer has different priorities. Here’s how power system choices broke down across Frazer recent orders:

Power System	% of Frazer Customers	Why They Chose It
Onan	49%	Proven reliability, ease of service, and broad mechanic familiarity
MEPS	44%	Lower fuel use, compact install, balanced performance
hPower	7%	Quiet operation, idle-free, future-ready design

Note: These choices reflect operational preferences, not performance rankings. We support all three power options.

How Frazer Supports You

Whether you’re exploring your first Frazer EMS vehicle or configuring your next fleet order, we don’t just give you power system options – we help you make the right choice for your team, your budget, and your mission. From install to long-term support, Frazer is with you every step of the way.

Factory-direct install, testing, and support
Lifetime service from the team that built your unit
Easy access to parts, training, and documentation
No-pressure help choosing what’s right for your mission

Ready to Talk Power?

Let’s find the best system for your vehicle, team, and budget.

Talk to a Regional Sales Manager