London Ambulance Service (LAS) has expanded its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of 77 battery-electric emergency vehicles, further strengthening what it says is the United Kingdom’s largest fully electric ambulance fleet.
The latest deployment includes 37 electric ambulances and 40 electric fast-response vehicles, bringing the organization’s fleet to 41 electric ambulances, 81 electric response cars and three electric motorcycles.
Charging Network Expands Alongside Fleet
The new vehicles are being introduced throughout the summer as LAS continues investing in charging infrastructure across London.
Last year, the service installed 288 electric vehicle charging points at 18 ambulance stations, with 27% of its sites now fully equipped for EV charging. The organization expects charging infrastructure to be available at all of its facilities by 2028.
While LAS did not identify the manufacturer of the newly deployed vehicles, images accompanying the announcement show a Ford Explorer. The ambulance service has previously partnered with Ford, including the delivery of 19 electric ambulances built on Ford Transit chassis in 2022.
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According to LAS, the electric ambulances are capable of completing a full 12-hour operational shift on a single battery charge.
Lower Operating Costs and Reduced Emissions
In addition to eliminating tailpipe emissions, the ambulance service expects the electric fleet to reduce operating costs through lower maintenance requirements and improved vehicle availability.
The organization said maintenance-related downtime is reduced by 75% compared with conventional diesel-powered emergency vehicles.
Around one-quarter of LAS’s 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 replacement program as older diesel vehicles reach the end of their operational life.
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Chief Executive Jason Killens said the latest deployment represents another step toward the organization’s environmental goals.
“A major milestone for us as we accelerate towards a carbon neutral fleet and deliver better healthcare for millions of Londoners.”
Killens said the electric vehicles benefit both public health and operational performance.
“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. 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 London Ambulance Service’s four-year Green Plan, which outlines its strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The organization said it has cut emissions by 12% since 2022 and is targeting an additional 20% reduction by 2029.
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