Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' Net Zero strategy to energize all UK ambulances within 15 years.

The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to desert all its diesel ambulances and set up practically 5,000 charging points at health centers and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered lorries.

Health chiefs have actually refused to expose just how much the brand-new ambulances will cost, however main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday expose it will cost ₤ 100million simply to update the grid and electrical infrastructure for charging points.

The MoS can likewise expose there are presently simply 2 electric-powered ambulances getting passengers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electric emergency situation vehicles for paramedics, including two vehicles, 16 action vans and three motorbikes.

The current electric ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, however paramedic teams in backwoods typically take a trip even more in a shift.

Latest figures show the average reaction time in England for the most dangerous 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared with an NHS target of 7 minutes.

Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, said: 'Ambulance services have been struggling to meet their response targets. With these difficulties it is unreasonable to distract NHS workers from their jobs with impractical Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service launched the very first totally electric emergency ambulance 2020

Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' plan to amaze all UK ambulances

'Time, planning and cost are entering into purchasing electric cars and building chargers - a number of which will never be installed - rather of improving response times.

'Much more concerning is the challenge of updating the grid in time to meet the additional demand.

'This is yet another case of environment policy racing ahead of technology with stunning outcomes for patients and taxpayers.'

England's very first electrical ambulance started operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be provided this year to be used in metropolitan locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy percent of our area is primarily rural and this continues to be the biggest aspect in our relocate to electrical - having the variety to operate in areas where automobiles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electrical ambulances since 2023, however has actually not used them to transfer guests. Another 8 will be provided to the service this year.

The Department of Health stated: 'New electrical ambulances will conserve the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.'

The NHS stated: 'It is right we seek sustainable options when they improve patient care and conserve the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not impact action times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS