Hydrogen fuel conversion specialist ULEMCo is leading a Government-backed project to deliver a zero-emission Ambulance for the London Ambulance Service.

ZERRO – the Zero Emission Rapid Response Ambulance - is expected to be delivered by the Autumn in prototype form.

The vehicle incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell range extender with an electric drive, low frame chassis and bespoke lightweight ambulance body designed and manufactured by Woodall Nicholson Group’s Mellor, Promech Technologies and VCS Limited.

“Given the energy need of the NHS ambulance duty cycle, it seems clear that hydrogen fuel is needed to provide both the range and vehicle availability for emergency response requirements”, said Amanda Lyne, managing director of ULEMCo.

“Working with Mellor, Promech Technologies and VCS Limited, we have the advantage of designing a bespoke ambulance based on their current battery technology vehicle platform. This has enabled us to apply our capability in integrating hydrogen fuel cell range extension systems, and to prove that this will be a really viable and practical solution for NHS fleets across the UK.”   

VCA developed an electric ambulance last year, which began trials in the West Midlands.

The ZERRO project has marked its first birthday with the sign off of the new design. As it now moves to the build phase, the plan is to have the working prototype fully CEN approved and ready for testing in London by the autumn.

Working with ULEMCo and LAS are Lyra Electronics which will provide DC-DC electronics capability, and Ocado which has experience of light-weighting and the practical use of electric vehicles.

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