Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with 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 desert 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 cars.

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

The MoS can likewise reveal there are presently simply 2 electric-powered ambulances choosing up passengers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency cars for paramedics, including two cars, 16 response vans and three motorbikes.

The current electric ambulances have a series of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic teams in rural locations frequently take a trip further in a shift.

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

Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have actually been struggling to meet their action targets. With these challenges it is unreasonable to distract NHS workers from their jobs 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' plan to electrify all UK ambulances

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

'A lot more concerning is the obstacle of upgrading the grid in time to satisfy the additional need.

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

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy per cent of our location is primarily rural and this continues to be the biggest consider our move to electric - having the variety to run in areas where cars can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling 3 electrical ambulances considering that 2023, but has actually not utilized them to transfer travelers. Another eight 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 stated: 'It is right we seek sustainable options when they improve client care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect response times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS