VCS, the UK’s leading ambulance conversion specialist, will present its hydrogen fuel cell low floor ambulance to the world at COP26, in partnership with the ZERRO (Zero Emission Rapid Response Operations ambulance) project and NHS England and NHS Improvement. Located in the Blue Zone, the hydrogen fuel cell ambulance will be on display for COP26’s VIP visitors, including world leaders and senior politicians.
With support funding from the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV), ZERRO represents a collaboration between Woodall Nicholson-owned VCS and Promech Technologies, as well as project-lead and hydrogen fuel pioneer, ULEMco, and Lyra Electronics.
Those present at COP26 will be able to see first-hand how the vehicle has benefitted from VCS’s lightweight ‘Core Capture’ construction method, which retains vehicle efficiency whilst offering added strength. Visitors will also witness the quality of VCS’s low floor ambulance construction in collaboration with Pro
mech; a result of its commitment to highly skilled British-built design and engineering expertise.
Held in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November, the aim of the conference is to secure net-zero global emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Politicians, business owners, and media representatives from across the globe will be in attendance at the event, presenting VCS with an opportunity to showcase its state-of-the-art vehicle to a worldwide audience.
Embracing the conference’s drive towards carbon neutrality, the development of the hydrogen fuel cell ambulance demonstrates the emergency vehicle conversion specialists’ commitment to implementing zero-emissions technology to its range.
Following COP26, NHS England and NHS Improvement will work with ambulance trusts to trial the ambulance across England and develop an operational plan to roll out z
ero-emission ambulances throughout the NHS.
Mark Kerrigan, Managing Director at VCS, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to present our hydrogen fuel cell ambulance at COP26. With the conference shaped around the need to push environmental change, I can think of no better opportunity to demonstrate VCS is working to make our products even more sustainable.”
John Randerson, Chief Technology Officer at Woodall Nicholson, said: “The ZERRO project is a great example of how our Woodall Nicholson brands, VCS and Promech, can collaborate to yield innovation. This is the country’s first hydrogen-powered low floor ambulance and we’re delighted it be able to show it to decision-makers not just in the UK, but across the world.”
