U.K. Royal Navy buys electric cars for store transit

March 13 (UPI) -- The U.K. Royal Navy is set to receive a new fleet of all-electric Nissan e-NV200 vans to support transport operations at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Once delivered, the 48 vans will be used to transfer stores, engineering and load-lifting equipment from warehouses within the naval base. U.K. defense officials say the purchase supports the ministry's stated initiative to support green energy.

"I am very pleased to welcome the addition of these 48 electrical cars to our fleet in the naval base," Portsmouth Naval Base commander Commodore Jeremy Ribgy said in a press release. "It's great for the Royal Navy, great for Portsmouth and great for the environment."

BAE Systems estimates the addition of the all-electric vehicles will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the base by roughly 40 percent in addition to saving approximately $440,000 in fuel costs over a two-year period.

"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 ours customer's need for value for money," BAE Systems Integrated Delivery Director Ian Anderton explained. "Replacing nearly half of the transport fleet at the naval base reiterates the company's commitment to creating more energy efficient ways of working and adopting the latest technologies."

The contract also included the delivery of 59 standard diesel vehicles, which will also be used for transporting materials throughout the base.