New ambulances in Norway face speed challenges due to EU regulations

New ambulances in Norway are struggling to maintain adequate speed during emergencies due to stricter environmental regulations imposed by the EU. In an effort to reduce emissions, manufacturers have started equipping the ambulances with smaller engines, resulting in lower speeds. This development has made the job more challenging for drivers, especially on Norway’s steep and narrow roads.

Camilla Arseth Holte, an ambulance worker, finds herself having to push the gas pedal to the floor to achieve only 88 kilometers per hour while responding to emergencies. Ideally, she should be able to reach speeds of around 130 kilometers per hour. The slower acceleration is particularly noticeable as ambulances navigate difficult terrain, where quick speed increases are essential.

Jon-Ola Wattø, head of prehospital services at Health Mid-Norway, acknowledges that while patient safety remains a priority, the power available in the new ambulances falls short of previous models. The change to smaller engines — from a three-liter to a two-liter motor — is driven by EU emissions regulations.

Norway currently procures just over 100 ambulances annually, a number deemed insufficient to pressure manufacturers into producing custom vehicles with larger engines. Wattø emphasizes that advancements in electric ambulances could potentially address these issues in the future, although range limitations remain a concern for the time being.

Overall, the new environmental standards have led to a decrease in the performance capabilities of ambulances, prompting drivers to adapt their strategies in emergency situations.