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Working closely with emergency service organisations across the UK, I have seen first-hand the unique challenges they face in their journey to net zero.
At TEAM Energy, we support public sector organisations in navigating these complexities, whether it’s decarbonising fleets, improving building efficiency, or securing funding for sustainable upgrades. Speaking recently with some of our public sector customers, they shared their stories on the hurdles they face and the innovative solutions they are implementing to meet their net zero targets.
What challenges are emergency services facing on the road to net zero?
One of the most pressing issues is transitioning large fleets of on-call vehicles to electric. These vehicles must be operational 24/7, so reliability is non-negotiable. While EVs are essential for reducing emissions, especially given the high carbon output of emergency fleets, the upfront costs and infrastructure requirements are significant hurdles.
As well as high cost, there are additional challenges when switching to EVs, including long charging times for vehicles that need to be ready at a moment’s notice, complexities in installing sufficient charging infrastructure at stations, as well as reduced driving range in rural areas, which can impact service delivery.
For the public sector, financial constraints are the biggest hurdle. Emergency service organisations face the added challenge of decarbonising their fleet of vehicles, with EVs costing up to 30% more than petrol vehicles, they are forced to make tough decisions on where to prioritise their budget.
What are emergency services doing to work towards net zero?
Despite these challenges, I have seen encouraging progress. Across the UK, emergency services are trialling EVs in their fleets, including ambulances, police cars, and fire engines. In 2024, the London Ambulance Service launched its first fully electric ambulance, with other services following suit.
The Metropolitan Police is also leading the way in the adoption of electric vehicles, with over 1600 EVs in their fleet, this includes marked and unmarked cars used in various operations.
Additionally, hydrogen cars (FCEVs) are emerging as an alternative to EVs. Using hydrogen to generate electricity, these offer advantages over battery EVs. They can have much faster refuelling time making them more suited to 24/7 operations, as well as longer driving ranges when compared to electric vehicles, which can support services that have rural parts of the country to take care of.
Elsewhere, emergency service organisations are also improving energy efficiency in their buildings. Many have installed air source heat pumps, LED lighting, and implemented operational controls to reduce energy waste. Some have even decommissioned older buildings and relocated to solar-powered facilities to further cut emissions.
What needs to change for the public sector to meet its net zero targets?
A major barrier is the shifting landscape of government policy. Public sector organisations need clear, consistent targets and sufficient funding to make meaningful progress. The high cost of EVs remains a significant obstacle, particularly for smaller counties with limited budgets. Without financial support, the transition from high-emission vehicles will continue to lag.
Encouragingly, recent government initiatives are helping to ease this burden. In August 2025, the UK Government expanded its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, with further models now qualifying for discounts of up to £3,750, making EVs more accessible to both individuals and organisations. With 28 models now eligible and a £650 million investment backing the scheme, this move is expected to drive EV adoption across the public sector, helping emergency services and local authorities stretch their budgets further while accelerating their sustainability goals.
Similarly, the NHS is making significant strides in decarbonising its fleet. With over 20,000 vehicles in operation, the NHS is the second largest fleet operator in the UK. A recent £8 million investment will fund the installation of over 1,200 EV chargepoints across 224 NHS sites, supporting ambulance services and other essential transport operations. This initiative is projected to save the NHS up to £130 million over 25 years, with a return on investment in just four years. These savings can be reinvested into frontline care, demonstrating how sustainability and financial efficiency can go hand in hand.
Progress and commitment
There is a lot of progress being made across the UK’s emergency services to reduce carbon emissions, despite the challenges they are faced with. County services like Gloucestershire Police have successfully integrated EVs into their fleet, with a quarter of their vehicles powered by electricity. Fire services are also committing to this transition, with some having more than 10% of their fleet fully electric.
These trials show that EVs can meet the demands of rapid response and patrol duties. As services gain confidence in EV performance, they are better equipped to address issues like charging downtime and expand their fleets and infrastructure. It also allows for challenges such as operational downtime for charging to be addressed and improved upon for the future. Positive results will encourage further adoption of EVs and FCEVs, allowing for expanding fleets and enhanced infrastructure.
Ultimately, emergency services are demonstrating strong commitment to net zero, even in the face of budget constraints and limited government guidance. Their progress is a testament to innovation, resilience, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
Want to understand how much switching to an EV fleet could save you? Try TEAM’s free Electric Car Savings Calculator here.
EST asked 108 emergency services across the UK to tell us about how they’re making the transition to electric fleets. Read our exclusive Blue lights, green fleet report to find out more.
