London Ambulance Service supercharges to zero emissions with nearly 80 new electric vehicles

London Ambulance Service has strengthened its fleet of electric ambulances after adding 77 new zero-emission vehicles to its frontline.

The new arrivals – 37 electric ambulances and 40 fast response cars – expand what is now the UK’s largest fleet of fully electric ambulance vehicles. In total, there are 41 electric ambulances, 81 fast-response cars and 3 motorcycles.

This growth means more than just cutting emissions. Electric vehicles are quicker to maintain, cheaper to run and more reliable. This reduces the amount of time a vehicle is off the road by 75 per cent.

The electric ambulances can cover a full 12-hour shift on a single charge so our crews can spend more time out on the road caring for patients.

Jason Killens KAM, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, said:

“The expansion marks a major milestone for us as we accelerate towards a carbon neutral fleet and deliver better healthcare for millions of Londoners.

“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 Service has invested in sustainable vehicles to phase out diesel and other polluting vehicles as they reach the end of their mechanical life, helping it transition to a fully sustainable fleet.

Today, around a quarter of London Ambulance Service’s vehicles – 300 of the 1200-strong fleet – can operate using electric power, including both fully electric and hybrid models.

The new vehicles are being rolled out throughout the summer as the Service builds charging infrastructure at its sites across the capital.

Last year, 288 electric vehicle chargers were installed across 18 ambulance stations in London, with 27 per cent of sites fully electrified for charging. The Service plans to install charging points at all of its sites by 2028.

The new vehicles build on London Ambulance Service’s commitment to sustainability, set out in its four-year Green Plan.

The Service has already reduced its carbon emissions by 12 per cent since 2022 and is aiming to achieve a further 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2029.