Climate neutrality, flexibility, best driving characteristics and a permissible total weight of 5.5 t – many factors are favour using electrically operated ambulances in the rescue sector. This now includes 1235 successfully driven missions during the test phase in the regular rescue service.
On the way to production readiness, a prototype of the E-Ambulance was on a practical tour through Germany and Europe. The E-ambulance with its box body structure was tested under real-life conditions by rescue organisations and emergency services in a total of 20 cities, and the feedback was analysed. In the process, the vehicle clocked a total of 229 service days, covering 20,784 kilometres during 1,235 call-outs. The result: the testers quickly developed a trust for the new technology, with no faults reported during use. The quiet and dynamic drive properties, with powerful acceleration and good road holding made a particularly positive impression on the test subjects. The WAS 500 E-RTW, which is ready for series production, also impresses with regard to safety and environmental protection, because the integrated LFP batteries (lithium-iron phosphate batteries) use fire-retardant technology and completely dispense with nickel and cobalt.
| Power management | Vehicle management system with display monitor |
| Highly efficient synchronous motor | 147 kW output |
| Top speed | 120 km / h |
| Nominal voltage | Approx. 400 V |
| On-board charger | 22 kW AC, 50 kW DC, optional: 100 kW DC (DC quick-charging) |
| Heating / Aircon | Integrated system with pre-conditioning |
| Range | 150-200 km* |
| Battery output | 87 kWh |
| Perm. total weight | 5,5 t |
* under real conditions, depending on the driving and application profile
“At the beginning, the employees were concerned about whether the battery charge would really be sufficient, but especially in urban areas, where short distances are the norm, the range of 200 kilometres is completely sufficient. The E-ambulance was deployed for 12-hour shifts, and charging facilities were unfortunately only available at the station. Nevertheless, the battery was still half-charged at the end of the shift.”
Joachim Fässler, Managing Director Rescue Service District Stuttgart and Head of Rescue Service Malteser Hilfsdienst e. V.
“After only a few missions, the colleagues have already gained the necessary confidence in E-mobility and went out in the E-ambulance with a good feeling.”
Michael Wucherer, Rescue Service Manager and Authorised Signatory DRK Rescue Service Esslingen-Nürtingen gGmbH
„E-mobility is not only a necessity for maintaining individual transport, but also as an opportunity
for the rescue service sector. The WAS E-ambulance is particularly interesting because it is feasible to achieve an economic ratio between the weight of the drive including the battery and the payload.”
Jörg Baumann, Technical Procurement, Hamburg Fire Brigade
“The advantages of electric ambulances over those with internal combustion engines are particularly evident in urgent journeys with special rights of way in inner-city traffic. However, the advantages of electric drives are also evident due to the significantly reduced vibrations on the vehicle, the lower driving noise and the absence of exhaust emissions – especially in the company's own vehicle halls.”
Christian Lang, Vehicle Procurement / Project Management E-Mobility Fire Department of the City of Hanover
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