The new Eco 3.5 t Dual Crew Ambulance operates with a GVW of 3500 kg, this aids with the recruitment of young paramedics as the C1 licence is no longer needed. The ambulance operates with 750 kg less weight than a UK national specification ambulance. This weight reduction delivers massive savings of up to 20 % on emissions and fuel consumption, according to our Millbrook independent testing. And this will deliver savings of approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 and £1.5 million in fuel savings per annum for a typical NHS front line fleet. We have achieved this without compromise as it includes a full set of equipment at 285 kg and space for five people at 90 kg, which exceeds the requirements of EN 1789 with a 825 kg payload.
This design has been achieved by using a lightweight aluminium semi monocoque construction paying attention to every component fitted to the vehicle. The ambulance body is mounted to a Fiat AL-KO chassis, this provides further weight savings compared to a standard OEM chassis. The AL-KO chassis also provides a wheelbase of 3460 mm which gives the vehicle an improved 11 m turning circle, the current national specification ambulance only has a 13 m turning circle.
