Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' Net Zero plan to amaze 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 vehicles.

Health chiefs have actually refused to reveal just how much the 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 infrastructure needed for charging points.

The MoS can also expose there are presently just 2 electric-powered ambulances getting passengers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electric emergency cars for paramedics, consisting of 2 cars, 16 reaction vans and 3 motorcycles.

The most recent electric ambulances have a series of approximately 200 miles, however paramedic crews in rural locations frequently travel further in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the average reaction time in England for the most dangerous 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 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, stated: 'Ambulance services have actually been struggling to meet their response targets. With these obstacles it is ridiculous to sidetrack NHS workers from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

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

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

'Time, planning and expenditure are going into buying electrical automobiles and constructing chargers - numerous of which will never ever be set up - instead of improving reaction times.

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

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

England's very first electrical ambulance began operating 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 percent of our area is generally rural and this continues to be the greatest element in our transfer 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 considering that 2023, but has actually not used 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 stated: 'It is right we seek sustainable alternatives when they enhance client care and save the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not impact reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS