West Midlands Ambulance Service on electric vehicle challenge
West Midlands Ambulance Service is considering declining an NHS offer of 24 more electric vehicles due to concerns over their effectiveness. The trust already has 74 electric vehicles, including 18 emergency ambulances, but faces challenges with range, reliability, and maintenance costs.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is considering declining an NHS offer of 24 electric vehicles for its fleet. WMAS serves six million people across several regions, including Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Birmingham. The trust already operates 74 electric vehicles, including 18 emergency ambulances in urban areas. Eight more EVs are arriving this year, with 16 ordered for 2026-27 as part of a drive to net zero carbon emissions. However, the trust is concerned about the effectiveness of EVs, citing issues with range, reliability, and maintenance costs. WMAS introduced its first fully electric frontline emergency ambulance in 2020, but has seen a decline in reliability and an increase in maintenance costs over time.
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