A fleet of 48 all-electric Nissan e-NV200 Combis have arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base in a deal with BAE Systems who manage the site on behalf of the Royal Navy. The agreement, also in association with fleet management specialists Lex Autolease with whom Nissan and local dealership Yeomans Nissan Portsmouth have been working very closely, is aimed at creating a more modern and energy efficient Naval Base fit for the 21st century, a key goal for the Ministry of Defence.
As part of BAE System’s commitment to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency across the site, 26 POD Point charging points and 28 designated parking bays for electric vehicles are being installed. The 100% electric Nissan vans will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 40% in comparison with the previous non-electric vehicle fleet.
Portsmouth docks are currently undergoing large alteration work to its existing docks to be able to accommodate the forthcoming 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier. The carrier was previously expected to arrive in March 2017, but this has now been pushed back to, “sometime this summer”. The delayed super-carrier has allowed time for the new electric van fleet to become established ahead of its arrival.
Darren Payne, Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB), said:
“Nissan’s electric vehicle technology is cutting-edge, so it’s great synergy to be working closely with world renowned BAE Systems to help save energy and reduce emissions at Portsmouth’s historic naval base. Of course the other real bonus of operating Nissan electric vehicles are the ultra low-running costs, starting from as little as two pence per mile.”
In total, the conversion of more than a third of BAE Systems’ vehicle fleet to Nissan’s e-NV200 Combis will save £360,000 in fuel and other costs over the duration of the contract.
Ian Anderton, integrated delivery director at BAE Systems, said:
“We have worked closely with Lex Autolease and Nissan to introduce this new fleet that makes a significant reduction to carbon dioxide emissions and respects our customers need for a value for money solution. The reduced emissions and fuel use by replacing nearly half of the fleet with Nissan electric vehicles would have a significant environmental impact on Portsmouth Naval Base. The arrival of such a large number of Nissan electric vehicles to support our activities at the Naval Base reiterates the company’s commitment to creating more energy efficient ways of working and adopting the latest technologies.”
Source; Nissan
