Nissan adds a zero-emissions ambulance to the Tokyo Fire Department fleet

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in conjunction with the Tokyo Fire Department have announced that they have just introduced Japan’s first zero-emissions electric vehicle ambulance into the country’s Ikebukuro branch ambulance fleet. The new vehicle is based on a Nissan NV400 platform which has been stripped of its internal combustion engine and has instead gained electric motors and several battery packs. The bodywork for the vehicle was done by Autoworks Kyoto and complies with Japan’s regulations and designed to meet customer needs. The design for the EV was done in partnership with Gruau, a major European emergency vehicle bodywork company.

Gupta continues by stating that “This project is another great example of our efforts to enhance the accessibility of eco-friendly vehicles to local communities.”  The introduction of the clean and green emergency response vehicle is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Zero Emission Tokyo” initiative which seeks to reduce its CO2 emissions.

The main source of power for the electric NV400 is a pair of lithium-ion battery packs which gives the vehicle a 33kWh capacity. Alongside these two large batteries the EV ambulance also comes with a smaller 8kWh battery pack which lets the vehicle utilize its air conditioning system. It also lets the vehicle have convenience features for the staff and passengers such as an electric stretcher. 

Thanks to its battery packs and electric motors the ambulance is now quieter. This gives the vehicle lower noise and vibration levels reducing the negative impact these have on the patient as well as the equipment onboard the vehicle. In line with Japan's “Zero Emissions Tokyo goal” The electric NV400 will be using the multiple electric charging ports found across the country’s capital. This allows for the EV to be a cost-effective solution from a cost of charging and maintenance point of view as it can easily utilize the infrastructure already set up.