First Look: WAS 500 E-Ambulance in Malaysia by First Ambulance Services

The local EV segment is growing and thriving this year, now going beyond passenger cars. We’ve seen Volvo Trucks debuting the first all-electric prime mover in the country – the Volvo FM EV truck. However, a whole new 'variant' of EV has landed into our shores this month.

This WAS 500 E-Ambulance is one of the first all-electric ambulance to ashore in Malaysia!

Yes, we’re talking about EV ambulances, as local private ambulance firm First Ambulance Services has brought in perhaps one of the first, if not the first-ever all-electric ambulance into our local market – the WAS 500 E-Ambulance.

For those who are not familiar with First Ambulance Services, they are one of the biggest local private ambulance firms that provide pre-hospital emergency and Patient transport services, as well as medical retrieval services across Malaysia.

Aware of the growing importance of e-mobility in the local market, the firm has decided to collaborate with renowned German emergency vehicles manufacturer Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS) to bring in one of Malaysia’s first all-electric ambulance into the market.

Back to the EV ambulance itself, the WAS 500 E-Ambulance is built upon the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulance van. Powering up this type-C ambulance is a 147 kW-rated (197 HP) drive system with a whopping torque output of 1,150 NM. This setup can drive this 5-tonne ambulance to a top speed of 120 KM/H.

Thanks to the E-Ambulance’s quieter and smoother driving compared to its ICE counterpart, both WAS and First Ambulance claim that this will benefit both drivers and patients in providing smoother and better ride for patients, while the rapid acceleration and good road holding performance ensures patients can reach to the hospital quicker and safer.

Like many other EVs, this EV ambulance is chargeable via CCS2 plug

In charge of juicing up said drive unit is a 87-kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that grants this E-Ambulance with up to 200 KM of EV range. As for charging, this ambulance supports both AC charging at 22 kW and DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, with the former method taking about 3.5 hours to fill up, while the latter cuts charging time down to only 1.5 hours.

Should you want faster charging, WAS offers an optional 100 kW DC charging capability upgrade for the 500 E-Ambulance, which will cut its charging time to less than one hour.

Visually, the WAS 500 E-Ambulance doesn’t look that much different from its Mercedes-Benz counterpart, only missing the iconic three-point-star emblem on its front grille. Imported all the way from Germany, this particular unit brought by First Ambulance is left-hand-driven, with German licence plates still intact to it.

The 500 E-Ambulance boasts the typical boxy ambulance silhouette, with its tailgate equipped with the standard ambulance-style double doors. There’s an extra door on the side, equipped with built-in side-step for easier access to this rather tall-riding EV. Elsewhere, the 500 rides on Mercedes-Benz wheels, which are shodded in Bridgestone Blizzak winter tyres – indicating that said unit came directly from Europe with no localisation makeovers done on it so far.

Inside, the ambulance’s cockpit comes with two main displays – one displaying the battery and driving-related information, another for the reverse and 360-view camera system. At the central console lies all the sirens and lights control buttons, while drivers get Mercedes-badged steering wheel with an analogue driver’s instrument cluster hiding behind it.

Moving to the back area, the 500 E-Ambulance gets standard ambulance kits, including a full-size flatbed, fold-down seats for passengers, as well as a slew of emergency and medical kits.

In terms of maintenance, First Ambulance has partnered with local electrification solutions firm Electrifying Inc to handle and provide support for the maintenance of the WAS E-Ambulance. Through this partnership, Electrifying Inc will lend support pertaining to the battery management, vehicle diagnostics, as well as overall technical support when needed.

Apart from Electryfing Inc, the firm has also established a close working relationship with WAS itself, which will lend their expertise and extensive technical knowledge pertaining to the EV ambulance upkeep. With two said firms on board with First Ambulance in embarking the future of electromobility in emergency services, this enables the firm to undergo its servicing and maintenance operations in-house, promising prompt response times and streamlined maintenance processes for their EV ambulance fleet.

Aside from bringing in a new fleet of EV ambulances, the firm also plans to establish a new charging infrastructure specially catered to EV ambulances. For the initial phase, First Ambulance will be focusing on building dedicated EV ambulance charging stations in hospitals across the nation. To make this work, its partner Electrifying Inc will provide the AC charging infrastructure at several key or potential locations pinpointed by the firm.

As things progress, First Ambulance also aims to collaborate with another local electrification solutions firm DC Handal Green Mobility for further expansion of its EV charging infrastructure. Through this collaboration, the firm intends to include several DC fast charging stations within its network, which will be provided by DC Handal.

Part of the firm’s preparation to roll out the EV ambulance fleet also includes a special driver and ambulance attendant training plans. As transitioning from conventional ICE-powered ambulances to EV ones requires specific skill sets and knowledge, the firm insists on curating a special course for both drivers and attendants, ensuring that they are ready to operate the EV ambulances in a safe and efficient manner.

As for the firm’s target timeline for rollout of its EV ambulance fleet, First Ambulance is actively conducting a comprehensive assessment pertaining to the capabilities of their EV ambulance fleet, particularly for usage around the Klang Valley area. This assessment allows them to gather essential data and feedback, ensuring that the vehicle meets the specific requirements and standards of the healthcare sector.

Ultimately, First Ambulance aims to expand its EV venture beyond the Klang Valley, where the firm will continue to collaborate with WAS to refine and enhance the design, performance, and safety features of the EV ambulance based on real-world feedback and technological advancements. 

Additionally, the firm also plans to establish partnerships with local governments, healthcare organisations, and industry stakeholders to create a supportive infrastructure for EV ambulances. This may involve developing charging networks, implementing incentives, and providing training and support for emergency medical personnel to ensure a seamless transition to electric ambulance operations.