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Health Secretary faced calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' Net Zero strategy to amaze all UK ambulances within 15 years.

The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to abandon all its diesel ambulances and install nearly 5,000 charging points at medical facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.

Health chiefs have actually refused to expose just how much the brand-new ambulances will cost, however main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday expose it will cost ₤ 100million simply to upgrade the grid and electrical facilities required for charging points.

The MoS can likewise reveal there are currently just two electric-powered ambulances selecting up travelers in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electric emergency automobiles for paramedics, consisting of 2 cars and trucks, 16 response vans and 3 motorbikes.

The newest electric ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, but paramedic teams in rural locations frequently take a trip further in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the average response time in England for the most life-threatening 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared with 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 satisfy their reaction targets. With these challenges it is absurd to distract NHS employees from their jobs with impractical Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the first fully electrical emergency situation ambulance 2020

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

'Time, planning and expense are entering into purchasing electric cars and building battery chargers - a number of which will never be installed - instead of improving reaction times.

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

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

England's very first electric ambulance began operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be delivered this year to be utilized in metropolitan locations such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy percent of our location is mainly rural and this continues to be the most significant element in our relocate to electric - having the variety to operate in areas where lorries can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling 3 electrical ambulances given that 2023, but has actually not utilized them to transfer guests. Another 8 will be delivered to the service this year.

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

The NHS said: 'It is right we seek sustainable options when they enhance patient care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not impact reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel costs.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS