ULEMCo, the UK hydrogen fuel specialist, and its partners have delivered the first significant milestone to creating the future’s zero-emission ambulance.
The project, named ZERRO for Zero Emission Rapid Response Operations ambulance, is funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and aims to deliver a prototype zero-emission ambulance for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust (LAS) by autumn this year.
ULEMCo is leading the project, and with its partners has achieved an agreed design for the hydrogen-powered ambulance. This is now progressing to the prototype build stage, which incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell range extender with an electric drive, low frame chassis and bespoke light-weight ambulance body designed and manufactured by Woodall Nicholson Group’s Mellor, Promech Technologies and VCS Limited.
The vehicle incorporates features to address the specific requirements for a zero-emission ambulance of the future. These include innovations such as a low access floor that removes the need for patient lifting equipment and a frame-based body that ensures that the overall weight of the vehicle can meet the payload requirements of the service.
Working with ULEMCo and LAS is Lyra Electronics. The company brings its specialist DC-DC electronics capability and Ocado with light-weight capacity and experience of the practical use of electric vehicles. Promech Technologies is providing its existing battery technology solution and expertise.
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.
‘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 a current battery technology vehicle platform. We have applied our capability in integrating hydrogen fuel cell range extension systems to prove that this will be a viable and practical solution for NHS fleets across the UK.’
Chris Rutherford, Head of Fleet Strategy & Transformation at LAS added: ‘This project is a key part of our strategy to create a zero-emission ambulance fleet. The NHS aims to be the world’s first net-zero national health service to meet or exceed London’s clean air requirements.’
John Randerson, Chief Technology Officer at Woodall Nicholson, said: ‘We’re delighted that three of our companies have been selected to work alongside ULEMCo on the ZERRO project for LAS. We have a proven track record in delivering innovative vehicle solutions in the Blue Light and passenger transport sectors. Through our Promech Technologies company, we continue to develop and expand our new energy expertise.’
‘Hydrogen continues to play an increasingly important role in the energy mix,’ said Dr Francesca Iudicello, Programme Manager – Automotive at Innovate UK. ‘We are proud to support this important work, and look forward to seeing the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with a high readiness for service.’
