EV health shuttles ready

Two Renault Kangoo EVs have been converted and certified as New Zealand’s first electric wheelchair vans for St John.

The wheelchair capable Kangoo EVs will be used by St John Health Shuttle volunteers to transport Southland clients to health-related appointments and back home.

The project that has been part funded through the low emission vehicles contestable fund (LEVCF), administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

“It’s always a pleasure to see health organisations embrace electric vehicles, because the co-benefits, beyond lower emissions, are really valuable,” EECA transport portfolio manager Richard Briggs says.

“St John’s clients will enjoy a quiet, clean, more comfortable ride, which we know from previous projects makes a huge difference for vulnerable users.”

Renault New Zealand general manager Sam Waller says it’s “immensely proud to have been able to facilitate this request in order to help St John provide such a service”.

The Kangoo EV had a major conversion in Europe to meet St John’s needs and the vans were inspected by the Low Volume Technical Association (LVVTA) to ensure they met New Zealand regulations.

A Renault Kangoo EV normally seats two people but can seat up to four with the modifications which include two swivel chairs in the back, plus a wheelchair user with their chair with a combined weight of up to 200kg.

The project took 18 months, mainly due to the global implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

St John national community care manager Julie Taverner says there is a growing need in Southland for wheelchair accessibility.

“Our koha-based service – run by dedicated volunteers – is vital to the Southland community, especially for those who are unable to access other transport due to mobility issues,” she says.

“Support from businesses like Renault to ensure we have vehicles that are appropriate for our clients is essential to the continuation of our vital health programmes.”