Bevan Davidson in Swaffham to produce groundbreaking ambulance

That's the thinking behind a groundbreaking new vehicle designed in Norfolk which is being touted as the 'world's first bespoke ambulance'.

Swaffham-based research and development firm Bevan Davidson International has been working on the futuristic-looking machine since 2019.

The team behind the new Integroe fully electric ambulance with a reduced carbon footprint at Swaffham. From left, Alan Jones, Sam Boulding, Shaun Fairhead, Roz Martin, and Stacey Freeman. (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Aldi recruiting more staff in Norfolk amid expansion

Phillip Bevan, company founder, said the Aceso and an electric model called the Integro-E had already drawn interest from 14 NHS trusts as well as health authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia.

Mr Bevan said: “The reason behind this is logic.

The new Integroe fully electric ambulance with a reduced carbon footprint, designed and built at Swaffham. (Image: Denise Bradley)“I thought why don’t people build something to tackle the issues faced by the NHS? 

"We built the Concorde because we wanted to get to America quicker, why do you want an ambulance to take all that time and be uncomfortable?

“We want to save lives and create a Great British export for the whole world.

The specifications of the new Integroe fully electric ambulance with a reduced carbon footprint, designed and built at Swaffham. (Image: Denise Bradley)"We would supply them with ambulances made in the UK, and never import a van to convert into an ambulance ever again.”

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The vehicles will allow paramedics to give offer hospital-level care from the moment they arrive on the scene of an incident. 

Phil Bevan, designer of the new Integroe fully electric ambulance with a reduced carbon footprint at Swaffham. (Image: Denise Bradley)The Aceso can run on either biofuels or can be fully electric. 

The Integro-E has a range of 800 miles, and uses a patented technology called a non-articulating carbon battery module to recharge quickly.

Both models will be built on a new purpose-built production line in Darlington. 

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State-of-the-art: Features of the ambulances

Both models feature a triple axel design with a  stainless-steel chassis that will last 100 years. The Integro-E's batteries are housed deep within the chassis for even weight distribution.

The vehicles have self-levelling air suspension, which makes for a smooth ride for both the crew and any patients. Their body is made of the same composite which is used for Formula One racing cars. 

They have 'dual-zone' air conditioning which can cope with temperatures of up to 45 degrees. The ambulances also have an electric-powered stretcher to help get patients in and out, as well as a built-in fridge, kettle and toilet for paramedics on long shifts.

The vehicles' weight is such that paramedics do not require a HGV licence to drive them.  

Bevan Davidson International claims they would save the save the NHS £171.23m due to their lower fuel costs, as well as benefit the environment.