The NRMA recently ran a series of electric vehicle fleet days, a joint initiative with the NSW Government, to give businesses and fleet managers an opportunity to test drive a range of electric vehicles and chat with industry experts. Over four days in February and May of this year, 1560 test drives by 332 drivers were completed, in addition to education sessions about incentives, government programs and fleet charging solutions.
Participants had a choice of 14 electric car models to test, spanning from the sporty and compact Cupra Born to the heavy-duty Volvo FL Electric Truck – with many more models on display.
Test driving an EV at the EV Fleet Day
Being longstanding business members of the NRMA, St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney were invited along to the EV fleet day in May. Transport and Fleet Manager of St Vincent’s, Bob Morris hadn’t previously looked at electric vehicles for his fleet.
“We didn’t think it’d be appropriate,” he says. “But with the knowledge from the day, we thought then it might fit into our profile to reduce emissions.”
Bob brought along the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer and after a test drive, they were hooked.
“When we test drove the LDV we realised we had power and enough range for the area we want to service.”
From this, Australia’s first EV ambulance came to be a reality.
About the EV ambulance
The newest addition to the fleet is an EV patient transport ambulance, which has been on the road around metropolitan Sydney, transferring patients to and from St Vincent’s Hospital. Aside from its distinctive green banner, Bob notes that patients have not been able to tell the difference, if anything, it’s a more comfortable ride.
“They just think it’s a very quiet vehicle,” he says.
Unlike an emergency ambulance, the patient transport ambulance works during designated hours and can stop and recharge if necessary. Though this hasn’t been needed yet. Returning to the hospital for lunch breaks and overnight allows plenty of time to charge.
“From 30 per cent battery we can recharge in about 40 minutes to full,” says Bob, rendering overnight charging unnecessary.
Being one of only three EV ambulances worldwide, St Vincent’s ambulance was purpose built by Amtek in an LDV eDeliver 9 Van. With specialised air conditioning, an electric stretcher, and a myriad of other medical equipment, the design is fit for purpose. As part of the refit, the team even redesigned the stretcher mattress and upgraded it to memory foam designed and built in New South Wales.
