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

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

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

The MoS can likewise reveal there are currently just 2 electric-powered ambulances picking up passengers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation automobiles for paramedics, including two automobiles, 16 action vans and 3 motorbikes.

The current electrical ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, but paramedic teams in rural areas typically take a trip even more in a shift.

Latest figures show the typical response time in England for the most lethal 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared to an NHS target of 7 minutes.

Last night Nick Timothy MP, former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have been struggling to satisfy their . With these obstacles it is ridiculous to sidetrack NHS workers from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service introduced the first completely electric emergency situation ambulance 2020

Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' strategy to energize all UK ambulances

'Time, preparation and expense are going into buying electric automobiles and building chargers - a lot of which will never be installed - rather of improving response times.

'A lot more worrying is the difficulty of upgrading the grid in time to fulfill the additional need.

'This is yet another case of climate policy racing ahead of technology with shocking outcomes for clients and taxpayers.'

England's first electric ambulance began running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be delivered this year to be used in city locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy percent of our location is primarily rural and this continues to be the most significant consider our transfer to electrical - having the range to run in areas where lorries can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electrical ambulances because 2023, however has not utilized them to transfer travelers. Another 8 will be delivered to the service this year.

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

The NHS said: 'It is right we seek sustainable alternatives when they improve client care and save the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not impact action times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS