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Wes Streeting dealt with 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 install almost 5,000 charging points at medical facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered vehicles.

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

The MoS can also reveal there are currently just two electric-powered ambulances getting guests in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation lorries for paramedics, consisting of two vehicles, 16 reaction vans and 3 motorbikes.

The newest electric ambulances have a series of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic crews in rural locations typically take a trip even more in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the typical reaction time in England for the most lethal 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 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, said: 'Ambulance services have actually been struggling to meet their reaction targets. With these obstacles it is absurd to distract NHS workers from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

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

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

'Time, planning and cost are entering into purchasing electrical cars and constructing battery chargers - a number of which will never be set up - instead of improving action times.

'Even more worrying is the obstacle of upgrading the grid in time to meet the extra demand.

'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 running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be delivered this year to be utilized in city locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy percent of our location is primarily rural and this continues to be the greatest consider our relocate 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 been trialling three electrical ambulances given that 2023, however has actually not used them to transfer passengers. Another 8 will be provided to the service this year.

The Department of Health said: 'New electric ambulances will save the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.'

The NHS stated: 'It is right we look for sustainable alternatives when they improve patient care and save the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect action times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel expenses.'

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