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

The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to abandon all its diesel ambulances and set up nearly 5,000 charging points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.

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

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

There are 160 other electric emergency vehicles for paramedics, consisting of two automobiles, 16 reaction vans and three motorcycles.

The current electrical ambulances have a variety of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic teams in backwoods typically take a trip further in a shift.

Latest figures show the typical 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, former chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have actually been struggling to meet their action targets. With these challenges it is ridiculous to sidetrack NHS employees from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

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

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

'Time, planning and expenditure are into purchasing electric lorries and building chargers - a number of which will never ever be set up - instead of improving response times.

'Even more concerning is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to satisfy the extra demand.

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

England's very first electric ambulance started operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be delivered this year to be utilized in metropolitan areas such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy per cent of our location is primarily rural and this continues to be the greatest aspect in our relocate to electric - having the range to run in locations where cars can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

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

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

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

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