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The first of three fully-electric vehicles (EVs) being trialled by an ambulance service is to take to the roads in the coming days.

The single responder vehicles (SRVs) will initially be based out of three South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) sites in Polegate, Thanet and Gatwick.

The Mercedes-Benz e-Vitos are being trialled as part of a NHS England zero emission project.

A spokesperson said Secamb was "committed to reducing its carbon footprint".

Heavy-duty vehicle chargers are being installed to charge the vehicles in as little as 30 minutes.

The trust said it aims to reduce its emissions by 50 per cent by 2032 and achieve net zero by 2040.

Secamb said it will continue to deliver energy-saving measures and will also explore greener alternatives to delivering medical equipment and gases.

David Ruiz-Celada, executive director of strategic planning and transformation, said: “The trial of the new all electric single responder vehicles is just one way in which we are exploring how we can reduce our emissions.

“As an organisation with a significant carbon footprint, we are committed to working closely with colleagues across our organisation, including our green network and our system partners to significantly reduce it."

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