Electric vans join West Midlands Ambulance Service fleet

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has a struck a fleet deal with the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC).

Four LEVC VN5 electric vans will join the fleet for use by its IT support team, who can be called upon to travel to any of the 47 sites across the region at any time.

The vehicles have been supplied by Guest Truck and Van, who are dealers for LEVC providing sales and service for vans and taxis in five strategic locations across the Midlands, South Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

The acquisition of the VN5 vans represents another step forward for WMAS as it continues to work towards its goal of reducing emissions across its support fleet by 80% by 2028.

Tony Page, head of fleet and facilities with WMAS, said: “As a trust we are looking carefully now at our sustainability.

“We launched the UK’s first electric ambulance in October 2020, recently added two electric response cars to the front line and are continually assessing our support fleet to make changes where possible.”

Page says that the VN5 is a “perfect choice” for its IT support team. “I have tested the vehicle myself and very much enjoyed the experience,” he added.

“As far as cost is concerned, thanks to the warranty provided by Guest Truck and Van the wholelife cost of the VN5 is perfect for our budget.”

The VN5 can achieve a pure EV range of over 60 miles (98 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (489 km). 

Robert Spittle, managing director at Guest Truck and Van, said: “We are proud to work with the West Midlands Ambulance Trust as it looks to make changes to boost the environmentally sustainability of its fleet - we have also provided the trust with ambulances for its fleet in the past.

“We have vast experience in supplying commercial vehicles and our partnership with LEVC means we can offer a greater range of alternatives than ever before as our clients look to do the same.”

Photo: Paul Swan, Guest Truck and Van, Rob Spittle, Guest Truck and Van, Tony Page, WMAS, and Terry Rayner from LEVC.