London Fire Brigade introduce electric fleet

In a bid to become the most environmentally friendly fire brigade in the country, The London Fire Brigade has announced the introduction of 57 electric vehicles (EVs) to their fleet.

52 BMWi3 Range Extender models were chosen with a further five hybrid cars being available to fire officers to use for attending incidents across the capital city. They will replace the original fleet of 60 Vauxhall Astras and will be LFB branded and fitted with the necessary lights and sirens.

The move to a hybrid fleet means that LFB have become a 'Go Ultra Low Company' with a commitment to operate low emission vehicles on at least five per cent of its fleet by 2020.

The hybrid cars have electric and petrol powered engines but officers using the cars have said that they hardly ever use the petrol option. The BMWi3 can reach top speeds of 90 mph and go from 0 to 80 mph in seconds, making the LFB faster as well as greener.

"I am pleased that the London Fire Brigade has incorporated electric vehicles into its fleet and is using them to respond to critical incidents,” commented John Hayes, Transport Minister. “Plug-in vehicles are better for the environment and cost-effective to run, and they can be used for a wide range of purposes.”

LFB are also exploring the possibility of going one step further by trialling low-emission hybrid vans in early 2017. We’re really pleased to hear that more and more emergency services, hospitals and councils across the UK are rolling out electric vehicles into their fleets. Long may it continue!

Green Motion stock the BMWi3 Range Extender amongst many other hybrid vehicles. For more information about the range of vehicles we have available for hire at your nearest branch, call us on 0333 888 4000 today.