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As the East of England Ambulance Service Trust continues to decarbonise its fleet, it will soon be testing out three new electric ambulances which will work alongside electric rapid response and specialist mental health vehicles, taking advantage of the Trust’s investment in charging infrastructure.
This is a significant step forward in the Trust’s sustainability initiatives following a successful trial of electric response cars. As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility, EEAST has replaced 20% of the Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) fleet with electric vehicles (EVs) and introduced 12 EV mental health specialist vehicles.
In addition to these advancements, EEAST has placed an order for three Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Ford Transit Double Staffed Ambulances (DSAs), which are expected to be delivered this year to commence operational trials. This move underscores the Trust’s dedication to exploring innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare delivery.
I wrote about the Trust’s early investment in electric fleet last year – Ambulance service wired into the latest electric vehicle trials.
The new BEV Ford Transit DSAs will undergo rigorous operational trials to assess their performance, reliability, and suitability for emergency response scenarios. These trials will involve extensive testing under various conditions to ensure that the vehicles meet the high standards required for ambulance services. The Trust is optimistic that these trials will pave the way for a wider adoption of electric ambulances in the future.
Furthermore, the majority of EEAST’s support vehicles have been transitioned to hybrid models, reflecting the Trust’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental footprint. To further enhance these efforts, anti-idling technology is being installed in all new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) ambulance fleet vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions wherever possible.
“Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. By integrating electric and hybrid vehicles into our fleet, we are taking concrete steps towards a greener future. These initiatives not only align with our environmental goals but also ensure that we continue to provide high-quality care to our patients in an eco-friendly manner.”
Ant Brett, Deputy Chief of Clinical Operations of EEAST.
The introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles is part of a broader strategy by EEAST to enhance its operational efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint. The Trust has been actively exploring various sustainable practices and technologies to achieve these goals. The successful trial of electric response cars has provided valuable insights into the operational capabilities and benefits of EVs in emergency healthcare settings.
To support the growing fleet of electric vehicles, EEAST is expanding its investment in EV infrastructure. The Trust is installing 50 22kW chargers and 35 7.5kW chargers across its facilities this year. This infrastructure will ensure that the EVs are efficiently charged and ready for deployment, further enhancing the operational readiness and sustainability of the fleet.
“The integration of anti-idling technology is another important step in our sustainability journey. By reducing engine idling, we can significantly cut down on fuel usage and emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This initiative complements our efforts to transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, demonstrating our holistic approach to sustainability.”
Ant Brett, Deputy Chief of Clinical Operations of EEAST.
EEAST’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with national goals to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship. The Trust is actively collaborating with other healthcare organisations, government bodies, and industry partners to share best practices and drive innovation in sustainable healthcare delivery.
The introduction of EV mental health specialist vehicles is a particularly noteworthy development. These vehicles are equipped with advanced features to support mental health professionals in providing care to patients in the community. The use of EVs for mental health services not only reduces emissions but also enhances the quality of care by providing a quieter and more comfortable environment for patients.
EEAST’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its vehicle fleet. The Trust is also implementing various energy-saving measures in its facilities, such as installing solar panels, improving insulation, and adopting energy-efficient lighting. These efforts are aimed at reducing the overall energy consumption and carbon footprint of the Trust’s operations.
As EEAST continues to advance its sustainability initiatives, the Trust remains dedicated to providing high-quality care to its patients. The integration of electric and hybrid vehicles, along with other environmental measures, reflects EEAST’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of climate change while maintaining excellence in healthcare delivery.
Read Blue lights, green fleet to find out more about what the ambulance service is doing to boost its electric fleet.
And listen to this discussion from The Emergency Services Show where George Symes from the Met Police and Paul Chandler from NHS England talk about the challenge of transitioning to an electric fleet.
