The firemen will use a fleet of 52 ultra low emission i3 ranger-extender model cars and a further 5 hybrid cars to attend emergency incidents and other Brigade business across the capital.
The hybrid cars have an electric motor and petrol-powered engine. However, officers using the cars have reported hardly ever having to use petrol. The i3s can be charged at 73 fire stations across the capital. The cars also charge as they drive and the battery of the range extender cars can be topped up via a petrol-powered generator.
The brigade is also exploring the potential for electric and hydrogen vehicles with a view to trialling low-emission hybrid vans in early 2017. Its move to go green is also to encourage the public and other authorities to do the same.
The i3 cars are fitted with blue lights and sirens. They can reach top speeds of 145kph. The 150-year-old London brigade said it is committed to operate low emission vehicles on at least 5% of its fleet by 2020.
The i3s will remain part of the fleet for five years, covering an average of 11,265km a year. It estimated that there are 80,000 electric cars on Britain’s roads.
"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.
“The brigade is leading the move from diesel to electric, which will make a big difference to the air quality for Londoners.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan said around 10,000 Londoners are dying early every year because of air pollution. He lauded the brigade for “improving the quality of life for millions of Londoners."
