Going Green: Austin ambulances go solar-powered
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As the older ambulances in Austin reach the end of their term, they are being replaced with new greener ambulances.
The new Ford F450 ambulances are equipped with a pair of solar panels on top. They don't directly power the ambulance, but they do charge a battery which is used frequently. In fact, that battery allows the engine to shut off, when in the past, it needed to idle to keep equipment in the ambulance running.
In an interview with EMS Chief of Staff James Shamard, he explains this feature will save more than 500 gallons of fuel per vehicle per year.
You can also read more on the Austin-Travis County EMS website.