Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with 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 desert all its diesel ambulances and install practically 5,000 charging points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered vehicles.

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 reveal it will cost ₤ 100million simply to upgrade the grid and electrical infrastructure needed for charging points.

The MoS can also reveal there are currently just 2 picking up guests in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electric emergency situation automobiles for paramedics, consisting of two vehicles, 16 response vans and 3 motorcycles.

The newest electrical ambulances have a variety of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic crews in rural areas frequently travel even more in a shift.

Latest figures show the average reaction time in England for the most life-threatening '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 action targets. With these difficulties it is unreasonable to distract NHS workers from their tasks with impractical Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the first completely electrical emergency situation ambulance 2020

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

'Time, planning and expenditure are going into purchasing electrical lorries and constructing chargers - numerous of which will never be installed - instead of improving response times.

'Even more worrying is the obstacle of upgrading the grid in time to fulfill the additional need.

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

England's first electric ambulance began operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be delivered this year to be utilized in urban areas such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy percent of our area is mainly rural and this continues to be the most significant element in our transfer to electrical - having the variety to operate in areas where lorries can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electrical ambulances given that 2023, but has actually not utilized them to carry passengers. Another 8 will be delivered to the service this year.

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

The NHS said: 'It is right we look for sustainable options when they improve client care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect action times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS