Derbyshire health service replaces 16 cars with EVs

East Midland Ambulance Service (EMAS) has replaced 16 Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) cars in Derbyshire in the United Kingdom with EVs.

That’s reduced its emissions by 96 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) annually.

EMAS began searching for a suitable EV for its Derbyshire NEPTS service almost three years ago, testing a variety of different vehicles before implementing the Kia e-Niro.

“We’re really pleased to have been able to introduce these fully electric, zero emission vehicles,” says fleet assistant general manager Andy Watson.

“With these vehicles now fully operational, we are immediately putting them into service as we respond to the needs of our patients.”

All the NEPTS EVs have sat-nav as standard, which can be set to alert the driver to the nearest available charging station when required.

“We are constantly evaluating the electric vehicle offering that is available, which is changing and improving with new products being launched year-on-year,” says operational support assistant director Steve Farnsworth.

“These vehicles have an excellent range and the manufacturer is very much established in this field of technology.

“The car is capable of up to 282 miles (453.8km) when fully charged and our NEPTS vehicles complete 90 miles (144.8km) per day on average, meaning one charge should last a day without the need to charge again.”

NEPTS Derbyshire clinical lead Jenny Revill was one of the first people to take the electric Kia out for a spin before they were deployed to stations across the division.

“The cars are smooth to drive, have a quiet ride and respond well to different traffic conditions,” she says.

“They are very comfortable for staff, which is important for 12-hour shifts, and the patients that have used them have given positive feedback – especially on getting in and out of the vehicle for those with mobility challenges.”

This latest EV rollout at EMAS is part of its ongoing commitment to becoming a net zero trust by 2040.

EMAS sustainability, energy and compliance manager Stacie Scullion says its operational fleet accounts for 65% of the emissions it controls directly.