Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' 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 hospitals and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered lorries.

Health chiefs have actually declined to reveal how much the 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 required for charging points.

The MoS can also reveal there are presently simply 2 electric-powered ambulances choosing up passengers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency vehicles for paramedics, consisting of two cars, 16 action vans and 3 motorcycles.

The latest electrical ambulances have a series of as much as 200 miles, but paramedic teams in rural locations often take a trip further in a shift.

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

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

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

'Time, preparation and expense are going into purchasing electrical lorries and developing chargers - a lot of which will never ever be set up - rather of enhancing response times.

'Even more concerning is the obstacle of updating the grid in time to satisfy the additional demand.

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

England's first electrical ambulance began running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be delivered this year to be used in metropolitan areas 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 factor in our relocation to electric - having the variety 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 since 2023, however has actually not utilized them to carry passengers. Another eight will be provided 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 look for sustainable alternatives when they enhance patient care and save the . Electric ambulances will not affect reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

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