Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced 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 abandon all its diesel ambulances and set up practically 5,000 charging points at health centers and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.

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

The MoS can also expose there are presently simply 2 electric-powered ambulances picking up travelers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation cars for paramedics, including two cars, 16 reaction vans and 3 motorcycles.

The current electric ambulances have a variety of as much as 200 miles, but paramedic crews in rural locations typically take a trip further in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the typical response time in England for the most lethal 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared with 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 been having a hard time to meet their response targets. With these difficulties it is absurd to distract NHS workers from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service launched the very first fully electrical emergency ambulance 2020

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

'Time, preparation and expense are entering into buying electric cars and constructing chargers - a number of which will never be set up - instead of improving response times.

'A lot more concerning is the difficulty of updating the grid in time to satisfy the extra need.

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

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy per cent of our area is generally rural and this continues to be the biggest consider our relocate to electric - having the range to operate in locations where vehicles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling 3 electric ambulances considering that 2023, however has not utilized them to carry guests. Another eight will be provided 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 stated: 'It is right we seek sustainable alternatives when they enhance patient care and save the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not impact reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'

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