By Paul Ward
The Press Association Scotland
SCOTLAND — Scotland’s first electric ambulance was unveiled.
The vehicle has a large plug socket under the bonnet, rather than a diesel engine, and can travel for around 100 miles on a five-hour charge. It is being trialled by the patient transport service and will take patients with mobility needs to and from medical appointments.
Scottish Ambulance Service chief executive Pauline Howie said: “The electric ambulance fits into our fleet of 500 vehicles that treat and transport patients across the country. It has zero emissions which is really important in terms of our carbon commitments to the Scottish Government and it has the potential to cut down fuel costs, as our vehicles travel around 10 million miles every year.
The electric ambulance has a top speed of 65mph and is much quieter than the more typical vehicle.
“Feedback from patients has been very positive. They have said the ride quality is good and journeys are really smooth and quiet which is important to them,’' she said.
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