The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) hosted an electric vehicle (EV) showcase this week, giving staff, NHS partners and colleagues from across the ambulance sector an early look at new electric vehicles set to support services in the coming months.
The event 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.
Commenting on the event, 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.
“The showcase gave colleagues and partners the chance to see the vehicles up close, understand the design and build features, and see how electric vehicles can meet the operational demands of an ambulance service while reducing carbon emissions.
“Just as importantly, it created a valuable space to come together and explore the future of electric vehicles across emergency and patient transport services.”
The showcase featured the following vehicles:
- Skoda Enyaq Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV)
- Renault E-Master ambulance
- Renault E-Master Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicle
- Ford E-Transit ambulance
The event formed part of NEAS’s contribution to the NHS net zero target, which sets out how the NHS will reduce emissions from its vehicles while continuing to deliver safe and effective patient care.
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.
“Working closely with suppliers and partners is key to ensuring these vehicles meet the complex demands of an ambulance service. By inviting external organisations to see the vehicles first‑hand and hear directly about our learning over the past year, we’ve encouraged shared insight, innovation and open discussion around the future of electric ambulance and transport vehicles.”
Held at the NEAS Driver Training Centre in Team Valley, Gateshead, the event brought together representatives from NHS England, ambulance trusts from across the country, NEAS and North East Ambulance Service Unified Solutions (NEASUS) colleagues, NHS partner organisations, vehicle manufacturers, and blue light service partners.
Paul Leach, Head of Ambulance Fleet at NHS England, said: “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.”
Kevin Scollay added: These electric vehicles have the potential to significantly improve both staff and patient experience. Features such as self‑loading stretchers can help reduce musculoskeletal injuries and sickness absence, while quicker loading and improved reliability support better response times.
“This is an important next step in how we support our workforce, modernise our fleet and plan for wider rollout in the years ahead, while continuing to strengthen collaboration with partners involved in vehicle development, conversion and charging infrastructure.”
Further information will be shared publicly as the project progresses and electric response and patient transport vehicles are progressively introduced into service.
More information on the NHS Net Zero Travel and Transport Strategy is available at: https://