Welsh Ambulance Service deploys first BEVs
According to the Welsh Ambulance Service, the electric vehicles will primarily be used as single responder units by Advanced Paramedic Practitioners and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Deployment locations include Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Gelli, Bryncethin, Neath, Swansea, Blackwood and Cardiff, providing pan-Wales coverage.
The electric vehicles can be recharged at multiple charging points installed at ambulance stations across Wales. The infrastructure is intended to support daily operations and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for routine response activities.
The new vehicles are expected to contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions from diesel use while also supporting operational requirements in frontline care.
“These vehicles represent a major step forward not just in sustainability, but in comfort and safety,” said David Holmes, Fleet Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service. “They’re equipped with a range of driver assistance technologies, like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and blind spot assist, all of which help reduce driver fatigue and enable our crews to focus fully on patient care.”
Holmes also highlighted the strategic context, stating: “We’re immensely proud of these cleaner and greener vehicles, which support both our own decarbonisation agenda and Welsh Government’s goal for a carbon net zero public sector by 2030.”
“As the national ambulance service for Wales, improving air quality is a key priority for us, not just for our people and patients but for the wellbeing of communities across Wales, now and in the future.,” added Ed Roberts, Acting Director of Finance at the Trust. “With demand on our service increasing year-on-year, it’s more important than ever to have an efficient fleet which literally keeps the wheels turning on our ambulance service.”
0 Comments