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Co-op Funeralcare has announced it will launch its first Tesla electric hearse on 1 December as part of its eco offering to serve environmentally conscious communities in London.
Adapted from the Tesla ‘Model S’ and Nissan ‘Leaf’ passenger vehicle equivalents, the hearses’ exterior structures are reportedly made from recycled composite materials to improve its sustainability credentials.
Electric vehicle charging points are also set to be a standard feature across all new Co-op Funeralcare care centres that open from 2022, meaning all electric hearses will be charged from renewable sources.
Based out of Co-op Funeralcare’s Manor Park care centre, the hearse will be available for funeral services across North and East London including Chingford, Clapton, Dagenham, East Finchley, East Ham, Hackney, Highams Park, Holloway, Hornchurch, Kentish Town, Loughton, Romford, Tottenham, Upminster, Walthamstow and Wanstead.
Additionally, Co-op Funeralcare will be adding two Nissan electric hearses to its electric fleet which will be located in Bristol and Edinburgh.
The new hearses will join the operator’s existing fleet of hybrid ceremonials which launched last year following a £4m investment.
Meanwhile, the funeral provider has also pledged to plant a tree for every funeral that it carries out across selected funeral homes in Cheshire and Bristol, with a wider rollout “likely” in 2022.
In addition, all of Co-op Funeralcare’s electricity comes from renewable sources as part of its pledge to achieve net zero status by 2040.
Sam Tyrer, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “The way people choose to say goodbye is changing and those who have worked hard to reduce their carbon footprint in life, are also passionate about reducing their impact on the planet when they pass.
“We’re committed to leading the way in helping the bereaved and their loved ones have a final farewell that does not adversely impact the environment. Whilst we are already proud to be a carbon neutral business, it’s imperative that we work to drive down carbon emissions.”
She added: “We are excited to be bringing our fully electric Tesla to London to offer dignified, elegant and environmentally friendly services for families and communities in the area.”
