For two decades, the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" has consistently depicted ambulances arriving at the hospital, delivering patients to its dedicated team of doctors. However, behind the scenes, this consistent depiction meant prolonged exposure for cast and crew to diesel fumes from idling vehicles. Driven by a desire for a healthier and more sustainable production environment, the show's creative team, in collaboration with Disney's Climate Sustainability Department, embarked on an innovative project to integrate an all-electric ambulance into its narrative and operations. This bold step not only addresses on-set environmental concerns but also seeks to inspire broader adoption of electric emergency vehicles in the real world.
"Grey's Anatomy" Drives Towards Sustainability with Electric Ambulance Debut
In a pioneering move, the popular medical series "Grey's Anatomy" unveiled an all-electric ambulance in its 22nd season, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability in television production. The initiative, led by showrunner Meg Marinis, stems from years of concern over diesel fume exposure on set, a common issue during the filming of ambulance scenes. To circumvent this, the production team often resorted to creative workarounds, such as doctors meeting patients further down a hallway, to avoid the diesel emissions from traditional vehicles.
The push for a more eco-conscious approach gained momentum when Disney's Climate Sustainability Department offered additional funding for green initiatives. Seizing this opportunity, the production team opted to invest in an electric ambulance. Collaborating with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, a commercial van was meticulously converted into a fully functional, environmentally friendly ambulance. This custom-built vehicle, featuring removable panels for filming and specialized interior fittings, was developed over approximately seven months, with discussions beginning in 2024.
The electric ambulance made its debut in the November 13, 2025, episode and will be prominently featured in the January 29, 2026, episode titled “Strip That Down.” In this upcoming episode, seasoned physicians Dr. Miranda Bailey (portrayed by Chandra Wilson) and Dr. Owen Hunt (played and directed by Kevin McKidd) conduct an instructional ride-along with first responders, highlighting the capabilities of the e-ambulance.
According to production designer John Zachary, the team's research revealed a surprising scarcity of electric ambulances in the United States, with only a handful found in Europe. This discovery underscored the innovative nature of their project and their aspiration to demonstrate the viability and benefits of such vehicles. The project was a collaborative effort involving various departments, with key contributions from John Zachary, construction coordinator Jack Carroll, art director Michael Levinson, and co-executive producer/director/actor Linda Klein.
While the "Grey's Anatomy" electric ambulance is modified for filming—lacking the alert humming sound that typically signals its presence for safety—its on-screen portrayal serves as a powerful testament to what future emergency services could look like. The production team hopes this introduction will inspire other television shows and, more broadly, real-world emergency medical services, to consider electric alternatives, particularly given the extensive idling time ambulances typically spend, generating unnecessary emissions and noise.
This innovative integration of an electric ambulance into "Grey's Anatomy" offers a compelling vision for the future of emergency services and television production. It not only enhances the on-set environment by eliminating diesel fumes but also provides a powerful platform to raise public awareness about sustainable transportation. The show's proactive stance could catalyze a broader shift towards eco-friendly practices within the entertainment industry and beyond, demonstrating that impactful storytelling can align seamlessly with environmental responsibility. This initiative underscores the potential for popular media to drive social change, inspiring viewers and industries to embrace greener alternatives for a healthier planet.
