Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced 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 set up almost 5,000 charging points at health centers and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered vehicles.

Health chiefs have actually 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 presently just 2 electric-powered ambulances choosing up passengers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation cars for paramedics, including 2 vehicles, 16 action vans and three motorcycles.

The latest electrical ambulances have a range of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic teams in backwoods often travel further in a shift.

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

Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have been having a hard time to satisfy their reaction targets. With these difficulties it is absurd to sidetrack NHS workers from their jobs with impractical Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the first totally electrical emergency ambulance 2020

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

'Time, planning and expense are entering into purchasing electric lorries and building battery chargers - much of which will never ever be set up - rather of enhancing reaction times.

'A lot more concerning is the obstacle of updating the grid in time to the additional demand.

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

England's first electrical ambulance started operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be provided this year to be utilized in city areas 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 electric - having the variety to operate in areas where vehicles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electrical ambulances because 2023, however has not used them to transport travelers. Another 8 will be delivered 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 options when they enhance client care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS