All kinds of vehicles on the roads are being switched to be powered by electricity from built in batteries, but now here's another - an e-hearse coming slowly, respectfully - and silently - to a funeral cortege near you soon.
The vehicle is made by Tesla, and is being used by Co-op Funeralcare's base at Warmley, near Bristol, who say it is available for funerals across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and as far away as Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire.
It's called, unsurprisingy, the Tesla Wisper, and its silence, as well as its environmentally-friendly credentials, are part of the appeal, according to Mike Pengelly, Co-op Funeralcare's boss for the south west.
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"We are excited to be bringing our fully electric Tesla hearse to Bristol to offer dignified, elegant and environmentally friendly services for families and communities in the area," he 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 continue our work to drive down carbon emissions," he added.
The hearse looks at first glance like a regular hearse but has been adapted from Tesla's Model S, and it's not just the electric engine that's part of the eco-credentials. "Its exterior structure is made from recycled composite materials further enhancing its sustainability credentials," said a Co-op Funeralcare spokesperson.
"Electric vehicle charging points are also 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. The new hearse will join the operator’s existing fleet of hybrid ceremonials which launched last year following £4m investment," he added.
The mechanisms inside the hearse are also electric - an electric tailgate and funeral deck to display the coffin, an electric drawer to hold the coffin trolley, and a 'premium offering' in the funeral market with soft LED lighting in the vehicle's interior too.
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