All-electric funeral fleet rolled out by Co-op Funeralcare

A new range of all-electric funeral vehicles have been deployed by Co-op Funeralcare as part of a £9 million UK-wide fleet investment.

Both the fully electric Mercedes E-Vito Ambulance and Nissan Leaf have been added to the organisation’s operational fleet, as well as the fully electric Ford Mustang Mach e Etive limousine and hearse.

The electric vehicles (EVs) are already in operation in funeral homes across the country, including east London, Bristol and Leeds, with the rollout, which also includes the addition of electric charging points in all corresponding locations, continuing across the UK throughout 2024.

Gill Stewart, managing director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Funerals are changing, and we know how important it is to our member owners and clients that we explore more sustainable options and elements of the service for when they come to us to arrange their loved one’s funeral.

“Using electric vehicles is one of the ways we can help realise this, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to offer families more choice in how they celebrate the lives of their loved ones, as well as those planning their own funeral.”

Stewart continued: “This is also a significant investment for us, and a key step in our ambition to replace our full fleet of vehicles with fully electric alternatives by 2035, alongside our priority to be net zero across our entire business by 2040.

“We’re pleased to be expanding our fleet with the addition of our brand new all-electric vehicles, and we look forward to expanding the rollout across the UK.” 

The deployment of zero-emission vehicles follows trials last year, which saw two electric hearses and four electric limousines put through their paces to understand whether they would be fit-for-purpose.

With each new EV averaging a one and a half tonne CO2 reduction when driven compared to their hybrid predecessors, the move comes as part of a wider commitment by Co-op to be net zero across the entire business by 2040.