Ambulance UK October 2021

Leading the Way in Electric Vehicle Development
ERS Medical Debuts First Electric Ambulance
ERS Medical debuted its first Electric Ambulance at this year’s
Emergency Services Show. Built by Blue Light Services, the zero tailpipe
emissions patient transport vehicle is the first in ERS Medical’s fleet,
paving the way for the company’s cleaner and greener transport vision.
With a range of 219/185 miles (city/combined), the electric ambulance
saves over 4000kg of CO 2
emissions per year when compared to a
diesel vehicle equivalent driving 10,000 miles per annum. This saving of
CO 2
per annum is equivalent to 424 gallons of diesel consumed or 4769
pounds of coal burned.
The electric ambulance boasts a charging time of 45 minutes to reach
80% battery with a DC charge – making it convenient and practical for
continuous use on patient transport journeys.
UK’S First Electric Patient Transport Ambulance
Working in Partnership BLS and HATS developed the first electric
Patient Transport Ambulance into the UK market. The vehicle is the
successful culmination of a year-long project involving many people
and departments across both companies. It’s just one element of a
broader range of initiatives that HATS is undertaking, aimed at reducing
our carbon footprint: especially in London where HATS are the largest
provider of transport services in this sector. The vehicle joined HATS
multi-service fleet of over 800 vehicles in early February 2021.
Interior features of the vehicle include a hygiene station, a wipe clean
interior, a twist and recline seat for the passenger, two oxygen pipe
outlets situated in the off and near side of the interior cabin, a cabinet for
storage of essential medical equipment and a wheelchair restraint that is
built into the wheel arch for a streamlined look.
These two all-electric vehicles converted by Blue Light Services required
a major re-think of the design and materials used in the conversion to
ensure the vehicles were as light as possible to ensure the range of the
vehicles could be maximised. The impressive end result could have only
been achieved by working collaboratively with our clients and this really
has been a ‘team effort’.
The vehicle, a Renault Master Z.E. is equipped with the latest battery
technology, allowing for an extensive range of 95 miles (City cycle).
Made by Renault at their Cléon plant, Northern France, the vehicle uses their
latest 57-KW Master Z.E. Powertrain, allowing HATS to transport patients
safely and in comfort, as well as delivering a significant positive impact on
the environment, as it produces zero noise and zero tailpipe emissions.
On the vehicle’s introduction to the HATS Fleet, HATS Director of Fleet
Services, Karl Bailey commented: ‘The introduction of this new Electric
Ambulance is a significant moment, and we are hugely excited about
how it can positively impact our operation, as we look to lessen the
impact that our services have on the environment.
HATS and BLS have just agreed terms on a further 20 Renault Masters
ZEs and further 100 patient transport vehicles for the first quarter of 2022.