Held at the NEAS Driver Training Centre in Team Valley, Gateshead, the showcase highlighted NEAS’s progress in developing electric response, ambulance, and patient transport vehicles as part of its wider commitment to sustainability, innovation and fleet modernisation.
Kevin Scollay, chief executive of the North East Ambulance Service said: “Moving towards a more sustainable ambulance service is a vital part of our responsibility to the patients and communities we serve.
“It’s an exciting moment for the service and a real opportunity to build momentum as we move into the next phase of our electric vehicle journey.”
Dave Parkin, fleet operations manager at NEAS said: “This showcase provided an important opportunity to share what we’ve learned so far as we explore how electric vehicles can be safely and effectively integrated into frontline and patient transport services.
“Alongside environmental benefits, we are seeing clear operational advantages, including lower whole life running costs, reduced vehicle downtime, and quicker servicing, which improves reliability and supports more efficient use of our fleet.
Paul Leach, head of ambulance fleet at NHS England, commented: “It’s a pleasure to see first-hand the progress NEAS is making with electric ambulances and how local innovation is helping to shape national strategy.
“These vehicles bring clear benefits for patients through improved air quality and for staff through quieter, smoother vehicles that are well suited to the demands of the role. While there is more to do around infrastructure, the work being done by NEAS is helping to support the NHS ambition for a fully zero emission ambulance fleet.”