TRUST REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR OF GROWING ELECTRIC FLEET

Tuesday, 9 November 2021 18:41

With the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) continuing in Glasgow this week, it felt timely for the Trust to deliver its own update on where we are in our pledge to become greener.

As a Trust, we are looking carefully at sustainability and ways to be more eco-friendly. Back in October 2020, the Trust took a major step forward in reducing its impact on the environment by launching the world’s first fully electric front line emergency ambulance. Call sign EN4871 is operating every day in the city of Birmingham delivering lifesaving patient care; it has the same medical equipment and capability as our diesel-powered fleet.

Head of Fleet and Facilities Management for West Midlands Ambulance Service, Tony Page, said: “The design of our fully electric ambulance has a low centre of gravity and is powered by a 96kW battery pack which provides a top speed of 75mph and can achieve a range of 105-110 miles with a charge time of under two hours. Now, over 12 months on, the feedback from crews using the ambulance is positive with an improved environment to deliver patient care compared to its diesel counterparts, due to the smoother ride and quieter nature.”

In March 2021, the Trust worked with partner VCS Bradford again to launch two all-electric zero emissions Jaguar I-Pace ambulance response cars, which are operational in Birmingham. Tony said: “Staff using the Jaguar I-Pace’s think they are the best thing since sliced bread! We have invested in the right charging infrastructure to support rapid charging, which I think has certainly helped with staff’s experience of operating the vehicles in the 999 emergency setting.”

The most recent addition to the Trust’s electric fleet this year is four London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) VN5 vans for its IT support team, whose journeys can vary according to demand.

Tony concluded: “We are continually looking at how we can further expand our ‘greener’ fleet in other areas of the service too. I’m very pleased to say we have four fully electric Patient Transport Service vehicles on order, for delivery in January and March 2022. This will mean the Trust has a set of fully electric vehicles in all operational categories. All future fleet procured for support functions are set to be fully electric and by 2028 we pledge that all of our fleet under 3.5tonne will be fully electric. We are now working with NHS England and Improvement and a number of manufacturers to deliver four prototype electric ambulances for national trials, with the ultimate aim to implement a zero-emission fleet nationally.”

More from Local News

FREE children’s clay workshop in half-term

Fun heritage crafting session with Pixie from ‘Pixies Pottery’ Great activity for children aged over five Run by Tamworth Borough Council and hosted in Ankerside
Walsall Council attending this year’s UKREiiF to showcase Walsall’s emerging development opportunities

With a £1.5billion programme of investment underway, and with a growing list of development opportunities, Walsall is a thriving up-and-coming area of the West Midlands for investment.
Remember to check vehicles hired for Prom night

Prom season is almost here and parents and carers across the city are reminded to make vital checks before hiring vehicles for Prom night.
Council's new Cabinet appointed

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Leader and Cabinet were appointed at the council's Annual General Meeting last night (Wednesday 18 May 2024).
New accessible changing facilities now available in Walsall’s Saddlers Shopping Centre

As part of the ongoing programme of improvement works in Walsall Town Centre, new accessible changing facilities and toilets have been officially opened.
Council appoints preferred contractor for Library and Adult Education City Learning Quarter works

City of Wolverhampton Council has appointed its preferred contractor to deliver major works on the city centre’s Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton facilities as part of the £61 million-Phase Two City Learning Quarter development.
Free family friendly Street Theatre Festival heading to Wolverhampton this Saturday

No plans this weekend? We’ve got you covered as Covent Garden on Tour arrives in Wolverhampton this weekend, an exciting street theatre festival filled with roaming street performers.
Walsall partners commit to better mental health through the Prevention Concordat

The Walsall Mental Wellbeing Partnership has strengthened its commitment to provide better mental health support in the borough by becoming a signatory of the national Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health. Partners include the NHS Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust, NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and the Walsall Together partnership.