A new project has been launched to address the challenges that emergency service operations face when using zero-emission (ZE) technology.

Funded by Innovate UK under the Net Zero Mobility programme, Project RESPONSE (Robust Emergency Services Performing Operations in Electric) seeks to address the obstacles that have hindered zero emission emergency service operations planning and dispatch systems.

The project will be led by Flexible Power Systems (FPS) with support from Cenex.

FPS is developing the new platform based on their existing Operate architecture.

Operate connects information about how much charge is available to ensure charging and journey scheduling are booked to maximise efficiencies.

It is currently used by commercial fleets to optimise their electric van deployment and has been very successful in reducing operational costs whilst eliminating tailpipe carbon emissions.

For RESPONSE, Operate will investigate how digital tools and artificial intelligence can be applied to emergency dispatch systems to better accommodate ZE response vehicles. FPS is looking to address the challenges of charging and range restrictions by creating a co-pilot that delivers streamlined choices for the human dispatcher.

The project is being supported in the development stage by a user focus group consisting of ‘blue light’ organisations.

Based in the UK and The Netherlands, the participating partners sharing information about the operations of their current systems currently include NHS England, Southwest Police Service, Kent Police and Essex Police, and Ambulancezorg Nederland, the Dutch Ambulance association representing all 25 regional ambulance services (including 10 regional dispatch centres).

Michael Ayres, Managing Director, FPS said: “The electrification of emergency services vehicles presents the biggest challenge yet in the decarbonisation of transport. The complexities of assessing the correct vehicle to dispatch are myriad for the operator."