The Vauxhall Ampera has been selected for a trial by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
In a bid to reduce its carbon emissions, the trust revealed it will be putting the vehicle to the test as part of its emergency fleet.
The extended-range electric car will be used as a rapid response vehicle in the York area for the next few months, with hopes being high that a successful run-through will result in low carbon vehicles being more widely adopted into the organisation's emergency and patient transport service's 900-plus collection of motors.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service could well be checking out the best Vauxhall deals should the Ampera impress, as it is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 30 per cent by 2015.
In addition, the group is keen to cut its fuel consumption and is therefore eager to test the car's E-REV technology, which benefits from both an electric motor and petrol engine.
As such, fears have been quashed that the electric vehicle may not have the power range to be effective in all emergency situations.
Dick Ellam, manager of Vauxhall Special Vehicles, said the manufacturer is delighted that the Ampera has been selected as a possible vehicle for the NHS Trust, stating: "We are confident that the Yorkshire Ambulance Service will be impressed by the Ampera's durability, performance and economy."
Councillor Dave Merrett, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, noted: "I very much welcome Yorkshire Ambulance Service's move to introducing lower emission vehicles to its fleet. This is a first for the UK and an initiative I hope other emergency services will adopt."
The trial – which represents the first time an electric vehicle is being used by an ambulance service on a long-term basis – is being supported by the City of York Council, with the local authority agreeing to improve the availability of plug-in electric charging points throughout the city.
A new government scheme has been announced aiming to encourage greater uptake of the Ampera among motorists, with free installation of a home charging unit possibly on the cards for those interested in the initiative.
For the best Vauxhall deals, go to Cars2Buy.
Posted by Fred Mason