London Fire Brigade (LFB) has rolled out a fleet of 52 ultra low emission cars in a bid to cut air pollution and become the most environmentally-friendly fire brigade in the UK.
The move means fire officers will now use a fleet of 52 ultra low emission BMWi3 ranger-extender model cars and a further five hybrid cars to attend emergency incidents and conduct other London Fire Brigade business across the capital.
The 57 vehicles will replace 60 diesel-engine Vauxhall Astras previously used by the Brigade and are expected to remain part of its fleet for five years, covering an estimated 7,000 miles per year.
The LFB-branded i3 BMW electric cars, which can reach top speeds of 90mph, use a gasoline engine with a small tank that engages when the battery level drops to a specified point. They have also been fitted with blue lights and sirens.
In addition, the Brigade said officers using its electric-petrol plug-in hybrid cars "have reported hardly ever having to use petrol".
As a result of the new fleet-roll out, the Brigade said it had achieved its ambition to become a 'Go Ultra Low Company', a government-backed initiative which requires organisations to operate low emission vehicles on at least five per cent of their fleets.
LFB said it is also exploring the potential for electric and hydrogen vehicles with a view to trialling low-emission hybrid vans early next year.
"Officers often travel at speed across London, so it was essential the cars could stand up to the rigours of being a blue light vehicle, as well as having green credentials," said London fire commissioner, Ron Dobson. "I am proud that the Brigade is leading the move from diesel to electric, which will make a big difference to the air quality for Londoners. Who knows, perhaps in the future we will also be the first Brigade to run a fleet of electric fire engines."
LFB staff are able to charge the new electric and hybrid cars at 73 fire stations across London, while the range extender of the BMWi3 also enables the cars to charge as they drive via the petrol-powered generator.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan - who has made tackling the city's air pollution a top priority - said LFB's new fleet of cars would "make a vital contribution in improving the quality of life for millions of Londoners".
"With nearly 10,000 Londoners dying early every year in London due to exposure to air pollution, I'm delighted to see the London Fire Brigade take this fantastic first step towards becoming the greenest fire brigade in the UK," he said.
UK transport minister John Hayes also welcomed the news, highlighting both the environmental and cost saving benefits of plug-in vehicles.
"I am pleased that the London Fire Brigade has incorporated electric vehicles into its fleet and is using them to respond to critical incidents," he added.
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