Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' Net Zero strategy to energize 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 hospitals and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered lorries.

Health chiefs have actually refused to expose how much the new ambulances will cost, however 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 simply 2 electric-powered ambulances selecting up travelers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation lorries for paramedics, consisting of 2 vehicles, 16 response vans and three motorbikes.

The current electrical ambulances have a variety of as much as 200 miles, but paramedic teams in rural locations frequently take a trip further in a shift.

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

Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have actually been having a hard time to fulfill their action targets. With these challenges it is absurd to distract NHS workers from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the very first totally electrical emergency ambulance 2020

Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' strategy to electrify all UK ambulances

'Time, planning and expenditure are entering into purchasing electric lorries and - a number of which will never be set up - instead of enhancing reaction times.

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

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

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy percent of our area is primarily rural and this continues to be the greatest element in our move to electrical - having the variety to operate in areas where automobiles 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 not used them to carry passengers. Another eight will be provided to the service this year.

The Department of Health said: 'New electrical 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 enhance patient care and conserve the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not affect response times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

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