London's Electric Ambulance Fleet

The Dawn of Greener Ambulances in London

London is witnessing a significant shift in its emergency response capabilities with the introduction of fully electric ambulances. This marks a pivotal moment for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) as it embarks on a mission to create a net-zero fleet, aiming to significantly reduce its environmental impact while enhancing patient care. The maiden voyage of the first fully electric ambulance on New Year's Eve heralded a new era, with Paramedic Telma Ricardo Guerreiro and Emergency Medical Technician Taylor Forde taking the cutting-edge vehicle out from Oval Ambulance Station to serve the communities of Clapham, Peckham, and Brockley.

First-Hand Experience: A Paramedic's Perspective

Taylor Forde shared her excitement about the initial deployment: "It was very exciting taking out this special vehicle for the first time ever on New Year’s Eve. There’s a lot more space in the back, it drives a lot more smoothly and it really helped us get patients in and out of the ambulance more efficiently. The new features, especially the trolley bed system, enabled us to manage patient care better." This sentiment highlights the immediate benefits observed by the frontline staff, pointing towards improved operational efficiency and a better working environment.

Innovations in Electric Ambulance Design

These new bespoke ambulances are not just about being electric; they are packed with innovative features designed to optimise patient care and crew experience. The lightweight design contributes to smoother driving and easier manoeuvrability. Key advancements include:

• Powered Trolley Bed System: Facilitates easier and safer transfer of patients.
• Powered Carry Chair: Enhances mobility assistance for patients.
• Integrated Scanning System: Automatically checks if the ambulance is fully stocked after each patient interaction, ensuring readiness for the next emergency.

These features collectively contribute to a more streamlined and effective patient care process, allowing paramedics to focus more on the medical needs of those they are helping.

A Commitment to Net-Zero and Environmental Improvement

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, emphasised the strategic importance of this transition: "This is a game changer for ambulance designs across the world. We’ve had electric patient transport vehicles and support vehicles, but until now we haven’t had an electric ambulance responding to life-threatening emergencies in London. Not only will these ambulances help us deliver outstanding care to our patients, they are critical to our efforts to cut our environmental impact and play our part improving London’s air quality."

The move towards electric vehicles is directly linked to the LAS's ambition to achieve a net-zero fleet. This strategy aims to reduce operational costs associated with fuel and maintenance, while also making a tangible contribution to improving air quality in the capital. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, these new ambulances directly combat air pollution, which is a significant factor in the prevalence of major diseases in London.

Mayoral Support and London's Green Ambition

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has thrown his full support behind this initiative, stating: "It’s brilliant to see London Ambulance Service leading the way with London’s first fully electric emergency ambulance. This new vehicle will enable paramedics to deliver first class care to thousands of patients whilst also improving air quality and reducing harmful, toxic emissions in the capital. I have a bold ambition for London to reach net zero carbon by 2030 and London Ambulance Service, with the largest net zero fleet of emergency vehicles in the UK, is playing its part in helping us to build better, greener London for everyone."

The Mayor's vision for London to reach net-zero carbon by 2030 aligns perfectly with the LAS's fleet renewal programme. The LAS is recognised for having the largest net-zero fleet of emergency vehicles in the UK, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable future for the city.

Infrastructure and Expansion Plans

To support its growing electric fleet, the LAS is actively developing the necessary infrastructure. This includes collaborating with major London hospitals, such as Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital, to install high-powered electric vehicle charging ports. Furthermore, the LAS has already established 56 charging stations at its own ambulance stations, ensuring that its electric fleet can be efficiently recharged and maintained.

The introduction of these electric ambulances is part of a wider programme by NHS England's Net Zero Travel and Transport team. This programme involves piloting twelve fully electric ambulances across four other ambulance trusts in partnership with the LAS. The data gathered from these real-world trials will be crucial in informing the future rollout of zero-emission emergency ambulances nationwide.

The Current Electric Fleet: A Snapshot

The fully electric ambulances join an already impressive array of electric vehicles within the LAS fleet. Currently, the fleet includes:

In total, the LAS boasts 160 zero-emission capable vehicles, demonstrating a significant commitment to transitioning away from traditional fossil fuel-powered transport.

Future Outlook: Expansion from April 2024

The LAS has ambitious plans to expand its fleet of electric ambulances starting from April 2024. This phased expansion will see more of these eco-friendly vehicles joining the frontline, further bolstering London's emergency response capabilities while adhering to stringent environmental goals.

Technological Partnership: Ford and WAS

The development of these electric ambulances is a testament to strong industry partnerships. Ford, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), provided the base vehicle, allowing specialist converters, WAS, to engineer a fully electric ambulance. This collaboration ensures that the critical functions of a traditional ambulance, such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and auxiliary power, are efficiently managed by the electric powertrain. Crucially, the battery capacity is sufficient to keep the ambulance operational throughout a full 12-hour shift, addressing potential range anxiety and ensuring reliability in demanding emergency situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many electric ambulances are currently in the Las fleet?

While the article mentions four fully electric ambulances are expected to be delivered this year and plans to expand from April 2024, it does not state a precise current number of operational electric ambulances in the fleet beyond the initial one that went out on New Year's Eve.

What are the benefits of these new electric ambulances?

The benefits include reduced operational costs, improved air quality due to zero tailpipe emissions, enhanced patient care through features like the powered trolley bed system, and a smoother, more efficient driving experience for crews.

What is the LAS's overall goal regarding its fleet?

The LAS aims to drive towards a net-zero fleet and has the largest net-zero fleet of emergency vehicles in the UK, supporting London's ambition to reach net-zero carbon by 2030.

Where are the charging facilities for these vehicles located?

Charging facilities are being installed at partner hospitals and the LAS already has 56 charging stations at its own ambulance stations.

Who is involved in the development and piloting of these electric ambulances?

The development involves Ford as the OEM and WAS as the specialist converter. The piloting is a collaboration between NHS England’s Net Zero Travel and Transport team and the LAS, along with four other ambulance trusts.

The introduction of electric ambulances by the London Ambulance Service represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and efficient future for emergency medical services. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also promises to enhance the quality of care delivered to patients across the capital.

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