Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service have become the first fire service in the country to move to a fleet of electric emergency response cars.
Following the end of the lease period on the previous emergency response cars operated by the service, the decision has been made to move to hybrid electric vehicles. The vehicles allow incident commanders to travel swiftly to take command of, or offer support to, ongoing incidents.
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Forty-five Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are being leased for incident commanders as part of a new fleet strategy and transformation program, which will contribute to the Council’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.
Each car will be fitted with blue lights and communications equipment and will provide a versatile vehicle for incident commanders to attend emergencies.
electric emergency response cars
Norfolk is leading the way both in terms of environmental protection and protecting our communities"
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities & Partnerships, said “We all need to do our part to reduce carbon emissions, both as organizations and as individuals, however, we also need to be confident that our Fire Service has the tools to protect the county."
She adds, "I’m delighted that the service has identified these vehicles as able to do both, with no loss of capability while also working towards our commitment to Net Zero. By becoming the first Fire Service in the country to make the move to electric emergency response cars, Norfolk is leading the way both in terms of environmental protection and protecting our communities.”
Net zero carbon emissions
Norfolk County Council has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across the County Council estate by 2030.
NFRS is confident that the Hyundai Tucson will meet all the requirements of an emergency response car including a large boot for equipment and the ability to respond in all weathers and on rough terrains such as farm tracks and other off-road locations. The Hyundais will replace the previous emergency response cars used by NFRS, which were powered by diesel.
cost-effective
Leasing is considered the most cost-effective way of acquiring vehicles for several reasons, including long-term maintenance costs associated with any vehicle put through the kind of use emergency response cars are expected to endure.
Electric vehicle charge points are currently being installed on nominated fire stations across Norfolk, with the first cars of this order due to arrive in the spring.
Norfolk County Council also funds the installation of and the coordination of charging points at village halls across Norfolk as part of the County Council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, approved in autumn 2021, which aims to help remove some of the barriers to electric vehicle usage in the county.
