The HATS Group introduces the UK’s ‘First Fully Electric Ambulance’
Introducing the newest member of The HATS Family – our brand new ‘Fully Electric Ambulance!!’
This is the first fully Electric Ambulance in the UK, others have claimed to be the first, but they have all been ‘modified’ vehicles. Our HATS vehicle is the first purpose built fully electric one.
The vehicle, a Renault Master Z.E. is equipped with the latest battery technology and joins The HATS Group Fleet this February as part of our multi-service fleet of over 800 vehicles.
The vehicle is the successful culmination of a yearlong project involving many people and departments across the entire company and is part of a broader range of initiatives that HATS is undertaking, aimed at reducing our carbon footprint: especially in London where we are the largest provider of transport services in our field – supporting many NHS Hospital Trusts and Healthcare Facilities with our Patient Transport Services (PTS) and nearly all of the Capital’s Local Authorities with our Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) transport services.
Made by Renault at their Cléon plant in Northern France, the vehicle will allow HATS to transport patients safely and in comfort, as well as delivering a significant positive impact on the environment, as it produces zero noise and zero emissions.
On the vehicle’s introduction to the HATS Fleet, HATS Director of Fleet Services, Karl Bailey (whose ‘brainchild’ it was) commented: “The introduction of this new fully Electric Ambulance is a significant moment, over a year in the planning, we are hugely excited about how it can positively impact our operation, as we look to lessen the impact that our services have on the environment: put simply, everyone stands to benefit with this new Electric Ambulance, our customers, patients, our business and of course the environment”.
Initially part of a trial, the Ambulance will in due course be deployed straight into a front-line operational role with the North West London CCG, being based initially at Hillingdon Hospital, and if successful, HATS is committed to looking at introducing more Electric Ambulances to complement and support the HATS Fleet, providing significant positive operational, customer and environmental impact.
The eagle eyed amongst you will note that our new Electric Ambulance has a distinctive ‘Green look and feel’ livery. Our very own HATS green corporate colour was carefully matched and printed onto special vehicle wrapping vinyl, then used to cover the whole vehicle! It was designed to ensure that it deliberately stands out – as new and different as it transports our patients around.
The wording on the Ambulance is clear and simple – showcasing what the vehicle is and the clear customer and environmental benefits that a fully electric vehicle brings – Less Pollution – Cleaner Air – Quieter Journeys!
You will see that we have incorporated the HATS logo clearly and cleanly on the windows as well as introducing a new leaf (symbolising the environment) and plug (electricity) logo. No stone was left unturned, as the windows have also been printed with a special ‘window vision vinyl’ that protects our patients’ privacy when they are inside, whilst allowing them to see what is going on outside: all the logos are also set against a beautiful London landscape, showcasing and anchoring where the vehicle will be working.
Lastly all the white elements of the logos and words on the Ambulance have been made containing a special ‘reflective element’ that along with the Chapter 8 reflective 3M Diamond Grade fluorescent markings for the rear will mean that everything will glow brightly and reflect strikingly when it is dark, making sure that our new Electric Ambulance can be easily seen – even during the night!
