London Ambulance Service adds 77 electric emergency vehicles

London Ambulance Service has deployed an additional 77 battery-electric emergency vehicles to its fleet, further expanding what it says is the UK's largest fully electric ambulance fleet. The rollout is supported by continued investment in charging infrastructure across the capital. The new electric vehicles include 37 ambulances and 40 fast-response cars. The deployment increases the organisation’s fleet to 41 electric ambulances, 81 electric fast-response cars and three electric motorcycles, making it the UK’s largest fleet of fully electric ambulance vehicles. London Ambulance Service (LAS) does not mention the make of the new EVs, but the press release shows a Ford Explorer. That is in line with previous orders, as LAS has partnered with Ford before. For example, the carmaker handed over 19 electric ambulances, based on the Ford Transit chassis, in 2022. The new vehicles are being introduced throughout the summer alongside further investment in charging infrastructure. Last year, the ambulance service installed 288 EV charging points across 18 ambulance stations in London, with 27 per cent of its sites now fully equipped for charging. Charging infrastructure is scheduled to be available at all London Ambulance Service sites by 2028. London Ambulance Service says the electric ambulances can complete a full 12-hour shift on a single charge. In addition to eliminating tailpipe emissions, the organisation expects operational benefits from the new vehicles, including lower running costs, reduced maintenance requirements and higher vehicle availability. The service states that maintenance-related downtime is reduced by 75 per cent compared with conventional vehicles. According to the service, around a quarter of its 1,200-vehicle fleet can now operate using electric power, including both battery-electric and hybrid models. The new vehicles form part of an ongoing programme to replace diesel-powered vehicles as they reach the end of their service life. Jason Killens, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, described the fleet expansion as “a major milestone for us as we accelerate towards a carbon neutral fleet and deliver better healthcare for millions of Londoners.” “Expanding our electric fleet is a win for patients, and a win for London and the environment. These vehicles produce zero emissions and help to tackle air pollution that can worsen serious health conditions,” he said. “They’re also more efficient to maintain, meaning more ambulances are available to respond when people need us most – while saving taxpayers’ money through lower running costs.” The fleet expansion supports the organisation’s four-year Green Plan, which outlines its decarbonisation strategy. London Ambulance Service says it has reduced its carbon emissions by 12 per cent since 2022 and is targeting a further 20 per cent reduction by 2029. londonambulance.nhs.uk