An injured bird in the bushes, a cat hit by a car on the road, or a dog in distress. The Amsterdam Animal Ambulance makes about 15,000 trips annually. Recently, part of these trips is done electrically. “You don’t want to drive a big diesel van into the canal for one great tit,” says director Martijn van der Weerd.

Since January 1, 2025, Amsterdam has emission-free zones for, among others, delivery vans and trucks. Animal ambulances have a nationwide exemption for this. Nevertheless, the Amsterdam organization chose to invest in an electric ambulance, with help from donations.

Not an obligation but a conviction

According to Van der Weerd, electric driving fits with what the organization stands for. “We care about animals, nature, and clean air. If it can be done differently, we should want it differently.” The choice is not only principled but also practical. “An electric van costs about 1.5 times as much as a diesel to purchase. You recoup that difference through lower fuel and maintenance costs.”

From tension to trust

For the 135 volunteers, the switch was an adjustment. Electric vehicles are heavier and operate differently than diesel vans. Also, the availability of suitable models is still limited. Additionally, so-called charging stress played a role, especially last winter. In severe cold, the range dropped from 260 to about 180 kilometers. Some drivers became anxious at 30 percent battery. “That’s unnecessary, but you have to gain experience with it.”

Driving through the busy city

Driving an animal ambulance in Amsterdam also demands a lot from drivers. “You maneuver a van through the busy city to quickly bring sick or injured animals to the right help. Often with stressed pet owners. That makes the work exciting but also rewarding.”

The organization has 4 diesel ambulances, 1 electric ambulance, 1 electric delivery van, 1 electric cargo bike, and 2 boats. Reliable transport is essential.

Many advantages

Preparation was also needed behind the scenes. The organization wanted to be able to charge on its own premises and combine that with solar panels. This required adjustments to the electricity grid and expert advice. “In practice, the benefits are great. The smooth and quiet driving is wonderful, both for us and for the animals we transport. For animals, it means less noise and less stress.”

Electric driving as the new standard

Soon there will be a second electric van, equipped with the knowledge gained so far. One diesel vehicle remains available as a reserve, for example in case of a power outage. “We want our choices to contribute to a city that is healthier, more animal-friendly, and more livable. Electric driving has become the new normal for us.”

Advice from Van der Weerd to other organizations

Van der Weerd has tips for organizations that want to switch to electric driving:

Ensure good preparation

First check which rules apply to your vehicles, for example via the license plate check of the municipality. Get advice on purchase, subsidies, transition arrangements, and your power connection capacity. Preferably choose a model with a speed limiter, for example 100 kilometers per hour, which increases the range.

Invest in your own charging facilities

Install charging points on your own premises and combine that with solar panels to save costs. Have the installation carried out by a professional company that thinks along about the best solution.

Support drivers during the transition

Inform drivers well about driving and charging. Forgetting to charge can cause problems. Give employees time to get used to it and build confidence in the range. Techniques like regenerative braking can also increase the range.

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