Ambulance service showcases EVs to support patient care and cleaner air

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has showcased a new fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its drive to support patient care while reducing environmental impact.

The event, held this week, brought together staff, NHS partners and colleagues from across the ambulance sector to preview a range of electric response, ambulance and patient transport vehicles set to enter service in the coming months. It highlighted NEAS’s wider commitment to sustainability, innovation and fleet modernisation.

Among the vehicles on display were a Skoda Enyaq rapid response vehicle, Renault E-Master ambulance and patient transport models, and a Ford E-Transit ambulance.

Kevin Scollay, Chief Executive of NEAS, said the transition to electric vehicles is central to the service’s future. “Moving towards a more sustainable ambulance service is a vital part of our responsibility to the patients and communities we serve,” he said.

“It’s an exciting moment for the service and a real opportunity to build momentum as we move into the next phase of our electric vehicle journey.”

Kevin Scollay, Chief Executive of NEAS.

He added that the showcase allowed attendees to “see the vehicles up close” and understand how they can “meet the operational demands of an ambulance service while reducing carbon emissions”.

The event forms part of NEAS’s contribution to the NHS net zero target, which sets out how the health service will cut emissions from its fleet while maintaining safe and effective care.

Dave Parkin, Fleet Operations Manager at NEAS, said the organisation is already seeing practical benefits. “This showcase provided an important opportunity to share what we’ve learned so far,” he said.

“Alongside environmental benefits, we are seeing clear operational advantages, including lower whole life running costs, reduced vehicle downtime and quicker servicing.”

Dave Parkin, Fleet Operations Manager at NEAS

Parkin emphasised the importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners to ensure vehicles meet the “complex demands of an ambulance service”.

Held at the NEAS Driver Training Centre in Gateshead, the event was attended by representatives from NHS England, ambulance trusts, vehicle manufacturers and other blue light services.

Paul Leach, Head of Ambulance Fleet at NHS England, said: “It’s a pleasure to see first-hand the progress NEAS is making with electric ambulances and how local innovation is helping to shape national strategy.”

“These vehicles bring clear benefits for patients through improved air quality and for staff through quieter, smoother vehicles.”

Paul Leach, Head of Ambulance Fleet at NHS England

Scollay added that EVs could also enhance staff wellbeing and operational performance, pointing to features such as self-loading stretchers and improved reliability as key benefits.

Further updates are expected as NEAS continues to roll out electric vehicles across its fleet.

To read similar stories, check out our Sustainability channel.