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

Health chiefs have declined to expose just how much the new ambulances will cost, however official figures seen by the Mail on Sunday reveal it will cost ₤ 100million simply to update the grid and electrical infrastructure needed for charging points.

The MoS can likewise expose there are currently just two getting travelers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

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

The most recent electrical ambulances have a range of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic teams in rural locations frequently travel even more in a shift.

Latest figures show the typical reaction time in England for the most dangerous 'category-one' ambulance calls is seven 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 fulfill their action targets. With these challenges it is unreasonable to sidetrack NHS workers from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

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

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

'Time, planning and cost are going into buying electrical cars and constructing battery chargers - a lot of which will never ever be set up - rather of enhancing response times.

'Even more worrying is the challenge of updating the grid in time to fulfill the additional need.

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

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy per cent of our area is mainly rural and this continues to be the most significant aspect in our move to electric - having the range to operate in areas where vehicles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling three electric ambulances since 2023, but has not utilized them to transfer guests. 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 said: 'It is right we seek sustainable options when they improve client care and save the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not impact action times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS