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Crestline and Oxford County announce Canada’s first hybrid ambulance

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New ambulances will reduce Oxford’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 10.7 eCO₂ tons

OXFORD COUNTY, Ontario — Oxford County becomes the first municipality in Canada to introduce electric hybrid ambulances as part of its Paramedic Services fleet with the purchase of two Crestline Coach Fleetmax XL3 Hybrid ambulances.

Oxford County has been steadily shifting towards cleaner burning fuels and electric power in its fleet in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a key goal under the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan. Oxford County turned to Crestline to access the feasibility of implementing hybrid technology into their ambulance fleet. With Crestline’s understanding of alternate fuel and hybrid systems, widely used in the commercial bus designs Crestline distributes nationwide, the company’s engineering team eagerly jumped onboard with the project, researching and testing the system’s ability to support the technical requirements of Oxford’s ambulance fleet. Both parties agreed in May 2017 to move forward and make history with the manufacturing of Canada’s first hybrid ambulance.

Production for the two Fleetmax XL3 Hybrid ambulances is currently underway at Crestline’s headquarters in Saskatoon, SK, Canada. The XL3 Hybrid System seamlessly installs onto original equipment manufacturer powertrains, using regenerative braking to help fleets increase fuel economy by 25%, lowering CO2 emissions by 20% and carbon footprint and even reduce vehicle maintenance.

The ambulances will also incorporate ACETECH’s ECO-Run module and solar panels. The ACETECH ECO-Run module, an idle-management tool, will eliminate excessive idling by shutting down the vehicle engine when it is stopped and is under ideal operating conditions. The module also includes security and safety features, emergency override, driver control and administrative lock-out. Oxford County Paramedic Services piloted the anti-idling technology in 2016 on two ambulances.

Solar panels installed onto the roof of the vehicle will use the sun’s rays to assist in powering the lifesaving equipment onboard as well as the conversion batteries, resulting in less maintenance and further enhancing better fuel economy.

Oxford County’s green fleet enhancements are projected to reduce the County’s CO2 emissions by to 1,706 tonnes in 2017 (a 6.2% decrease). This puts the County fleet on track to achieve a 10% reduction by 2019, equivalent to nearly 3000 tree seedlings planted and grown for 10 years.

Oxford County’s new Fleetmax XL3 Hybrid ambulance will be displayed for the first time in Ottawa at the Ontario Association Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) conference happening September 26 to 28, 2017.

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Ben Addley, Manager of Paramedic Services, Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services
“Oxford County Paramedic Services is committed to doing what we can to help improve the environment. As first responders, we see the value every day in creating a healthy environment for residents. So if there is a new technology that will help reduce our environmental impact, without compromising patient care or our ability to respond, we will explore it.”

Scott Sawatsky, VP of Sales & Marketing, Crestline Coach Ltd.
“Crestline takes pride in working closely with our clients to deeply understand the needs of their operation, fleets and end users. During this process, Crestline is able to share our experiences and expertise, guiding the customer towards a solution that incorporates the highest level of safety, durability and ergonomics, while optimizing all opportunities for innovation. As a true integrator of technology, and with expertise provided by our Engineering and Manufacturing teams, we are proud to support Oxford County Paramedic Services in their commitment to smart energy and 100% renewable resources through the production of the Fleetmax XL3 Hybrid ambulances.”

Gordon Mclean, Director of Engineering, Crestline Coach Ltd.
“Crestline is passionate about incorporating new technology and accelerating its adoption in the main stream. Hybrid technology is maturing through rapid advances in battery, motor and control technologies and now can present a compelling stand alone business case. Being seen to be green is now showing up on the bottom line. Crestline is proud to drive fact based decision making through this initiative.”

About Oxford County
Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 114,000 people across eight municipalities that are “growing stronger together” through a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government incorporated as the County of Oxford. Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to becoming a zero waste community and achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that serves as a springboard for some of the sustainable industries that are steadily diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.

About Crestline Coach
Crestline Coach Ltd. is a worldwide leader in ambulance and specialty vehicle manufacturing and a Canadian supplier of small to mid-sized buses. With safety, innovation and durability always at the forefront of their business, Crestline exceeds and inspires today’s industry standards. To learn more about Crestline visit www.crestlinecoach.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube.

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