WEST Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has added two fully electric response cars to its ambulance fleet.
It follows the launch of the trust’s electric ambulance in October 2020, the first of its kind in the UK.
The new cars, both Jaguar I-Pace, will begin to be used over the coming weeks.
Manufacturer VCS Bradford was given the job of developing the Jags into capable response vehicles.
VCS managing director Mark Kerrigan said: “We have engaged in a programme with Jaguar, WMAS and operational user teams to produce a bespoke fit for purpose design.
“As always, WMAS has pushed the innovation envelope which has now resulted in the delivery of what we feel is a best in class, fully capable zero-emission response car.”
The chief executive of WMAS, Anthony Marsh, said he is thrilled to be at the forefront of developing ambulance technology.
“We have used aircraft-style technology and design to create the most hi-tech and lightest vehicles in the country,” he said.
“This has continually reduced our impact on the environment, by lowering our CO2 levels and ensuring patients receive the highest standards of safety and comfort.
“With an all-electric ambulance already in our fleet, it’s hugely exciting to now have two fully electric response cars to add to our operational vehicles.”
The cars will be deployed only in Birmingham for now, but WMAS is hopeful other areas will benefit in the near future.
WMAS’s director of strategic operations and digital integration, Craig Cooke, added: “These new Jaguar I-Pace cars will be utilised every single day.
“Alongside these vehicles, considerable investment has been made in the charging infrastructure on the operational hubs in Birmingham to facilitate very fast charging of both the zero-emission ambulance launched last year and these two new response cars.”
