North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is exploring electric vehicles as suitable alternatives to green its fleet, whilst lowering its carbon footprint.

Frontline staff have been testing and reviewing electric vehicles for possible future use

Frontline staff have been testing and reviewing electric vehicles for possible future use as part of a commitment towards sustainability.

The ambulance service operates over 600 vehicles across the Trust and responds to regions with 2.7 million people, spanning over 3,200 miles.

In 2023/24, the ambulance service’s emergency crews and patient transport service completed over 770,000 journeys to the region’s hospitals and other healthcare providers.

At a recent test day, frontline staff were given the opportunity to take rapid response test vehicles out on the road.

Chris Chalmers, head of operations (central) at NEAS, said: “It is important to remember the impact that using electric vehicles may have on not only our patients, but the frontline crews who respond to them.

“By inviting operational staff to the trial, and collecting their opinions, management staff are able to make an informed decision as to the future of the fleet as well as the future of patient care.”

The trials are part of several projects by NEAS to reduce its environmental impact. Overall, the ambulance service reduced its carbon emissions by 7.4% in 2024; 2.4 percentage points more than forecasted in its plans.

David Parkin, fleet operations manager at NEAS, said: “Electric vehicles will play a key role in shaping the future of our fleet and driving the transition to a greener, more sustainable service, for the communities we serve.

“We are keen to evaluate the various electric vehicle options on offer to a service such as ours. There are many benefits to the use of electric vehicles within our fleet and a reduction in harmful emissions is a key one.

“Most importantly, electric vehicles are reliable as they do not need key items such as clutches or engines replacing. With a potential longer life, this will mean less emergency vehicles are off the road and delivering life-saving care to the region.”

The test events give NEAS a clearer understanding of the electric vehicle market and allow staff to provide direct feedback on vehicle performance, range, comfort and usability.

Gavin Riddle, driver training lead at NEAS, said: “Generally, electric vehicles are smoother and more responsive than diesel vehicles and this can only have a positive impact on response times and patient journeys.

“Reviewing new vehicles helps us to expand our understanding in operating a range of vehicles, with up-to-date training for the future arrival of electric vehicles.”