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 abandon all its diesel ambulances and set up almost 5,000 charging points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered cars.

Health chiefs have declined to reveal just how much the new ambulances will cost, however 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 likewise expose there are currently just two electric-powered ambulances getting guests in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

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

The latest electric ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, however paramedic teams in rural locations typically travel further in a shift.

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

Last night Nick Timothy MP, former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, said: 'Ambulance services have actually been having a hard time to satisfy their response targets. With these challenges it is unreasonable to sidetrack NHS workers from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

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

Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' plan to energize all UK ambulances

'Time, planning and cost are going into purchasing electrical cars and building chargers - a number of which will never be set up - instead of enhancing response times.

'Even more concerning is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to satisfy the additional demand.

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

England's very first electrical ambulance started operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be delivered this year to be used in city locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy percent of our area is generally rural and this continues to be the biggest aspect in our relocate to electrical - having the range to operate in areas where cars can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling three electrical ambulances given 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 stated: 'New electrical ambulances will save the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.'

The NHS said: 'It is right we look for sustainable alternatives when they enhance patient care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect response times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

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