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Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' Net Zero strategy to amaze 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 health centers and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.

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

The MoS can also expose there are presently simply two electric-powered ambulances getting travelers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

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

The most recent electric ambulances have a range of approximately 200 miles, however paramedic crews in rural areas frequently travel further in a shift.

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

Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, said: 'Ambulance services have been having a hard time to meet their action targets. With these difficulties it is absurd to sidetrack NHS workers from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the first totally electric emergency situation ambulance 2020

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

'Time, planning and cost are going into buying electric lorries and building battery chargers - many of which will never be installed - instead of improving reaction times.

'A lot more concerning is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to meet the extra demand.

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

England's very first electrical ambulance began running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be provided this year to be utilized in urban locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy percent of our area is mainly rural and this continues to be the biggest element in our move to electrical - having the range to run in areas where automobiles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electrical ambulances because 2023, however has actually not used them to carry travelers. Another eight will be provided 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 stated: 'It is right we look for sustainable options when they improve client care and conserve the . Electric ambulances will not impact response times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel expenses.'

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