The emergency medical teams (Service Mobile d’Urgence et de Réanimation; SMUR) of Melun (Seine-et-Marne) have trialed a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle for urgent interventions, marking a first in France.
The trial, spanning from November 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024, tested the Tesla as a rapid medical intervention vehicle in various conditions.
Dr. François Dolveck, head of emergency medicine at the South Ile-de-France Hospital Group (GHSIF) and medical head of Smur Melun, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s a first in France! The results are very positive.” The white SUV, branded with Smur Melun’s insignia and equipped with emergency warning systems, effectively transported medical teams and equipment swiftly.
Plans are underway to start electrifying the Smur Melun fleet by late 2024 or early 2025, beginning with liaison vehicles and then intervention cars. “We will start by purchasing liaison vehicles, then gradually intervention cars… Charging stations will be installed in our garage,” Dr. Dolveck explained to Le Grand Parisien.
The initiative has garnered interest from other Smur units in Île-de-France. Dr. Dolveck noted, “The interest is to enter a dynamic; it needs to be integrated into the renewal of the fleet.” The Ministry of the Interior has also reached out to Dr. Dolveck for insights on the experiment.
The Tesla Model Y impressed the medical teams with its safety, handling, and braking capabilities. Its superior loading capacity, compared to a station wagon, was particularly noted for accommodating bulky medical bags. Its loading capacity, superior to a station wagon, was particularly appreciated for carrying bulky medical bags. The vehicle offers a total storage volume of 971 liters, eliminating the need for additional modifications.
“We can chain three or four interventions in a row; it has a range of nearly 300 km,” Dr. Dolveck added, highlighting the vehicle’s efficiency.
Emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles, Dr. Dolveck remarked, “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly accessible… And especially, the maintenance costs on the electric motor are reduced, as is the wear on the brakes.” The Tesla’s rapid acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds, was also praised for its utility in emergencies.
This move aligns with societal goals of reducing carbon emissions and adheres to the European Parliament’s regulation to end the sale of new gas engine vehicles by 2035. The successful trial in Melun signifies a significant shift towards integrating electric vehicles in emergency medical services.
