We have been awarded £411,000 to install new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across our estate.
This investment marks a significant step in our journey towards becoming a net zero organisation and supports our EMAS ambitions.
To support our growing electric and hybrid fleet, we are rolling out a phased plan to ensure vehicles can charge reliably at key operational sites.
This includes installing new charge points funded by the grant and making it easier for our staff to access chargers where needed.
As more electric and hybrid vehicles join the fleet, we’ll continue expanding our infrastructure to keep pace with demand – making sure teams can stay mobile and deliver care without interruption.
We currently operate 153 electric and hybrid vehicles – across Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services, mental health response, community first responders, ambulance crews, and support services. There are currently 108 charging sockets across 35 sites in our network.
Our fleet accounts for 72% of our direct carbon emissions, which is why electrifying our vehicles is a key part of our commitment to sustainability.
Reducing health inequalities is another of our key ambitions. By switching to electric and hybrid vehicles we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint – we’re also contributing to clearer air and healthier communities across the East Midlands.
The funding comes as part of the NHS Chargepoint Accelerator scheme – an £8 million initiative from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), delivered through the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The scheme is designed to help NHS organisations install EV charge points and accelerate the transition to cleaner transport across the health service.
This work supports the NHS’ wider ambition to reach net zero for emissions it directly controls by 2040, with an interim target of an 80% reduction between 2028 and 2032.
These aren’t just numbers – they represent a national commitment to delivering care in a way that protects the health of future generations. Every electric and hybrid vehicle we add to our fleet brings us closer to that goal, helping us play our part in a greener NHS.
Cara Turton-Chambers, Head of Sustainability at EMAS said:
“We’re proud to be making real progress on our sustainability ambitions.
“This grant helps us take a practical step forward, but it’s also part of a much bigger picture.
“With the government’s commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and to allow hybrid vehicles until 2035, we’re building the infrastructure now.
“This will ensure our fleet and teams are resilient and ready to deliver care in a future where electric mobility is the norm.”