Co-op Funeralcare ‘amps’ up eco-offering in Yorkshire

Co-op Funeralcare has launched a new Nissan Athena electric hearse to serve environmentally conscious communities in Leeds.

Set to be based out of Co-op Funeralcare’s Towngate care centre on Towngate Link from 25 July, the electric hearse will be available for funeral services in communities across Bramley, Headingley, Horsforth, Garforth, Middleton, Moortown, Morley, Pudsey, Rothwell, Whitkirk and Wortley.

The vehicle features the chassis of Nissan’s Leaf electric car and boasts an exterior structure which is made from recycled composite materials.

It will be joined in Leeds by a hybrid ceremonial limousine which will be used to transport family members to and from their loved one’s funeral ceremony. In 2021, Co-op Funeralcare invested £4m in a new fleet of hybrid ceremonials which have a reduced carbon footprint of 136g/km Co2.

Electric vehicle charging points are set to be a standard feature across all new Co-op Funeralcare care centres that open in 2022 and beyond, meaning all electric hearses will be charged from renewable sources.

Tim Bloomer, head of Operations for Co-op Funeralcare in Yorkshire, said: “We are excited to be bringing our fully electric Nissan hearse to West Yorkshire to offer dignified, elegant and environmentally friendly services for families and communities in the area.

“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 away. 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.”