VIDEO: Nissan plots 5 most breathtaking electric-car journeys in Europe

The all-electric Nissan Leaf was dispatched to the UK, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and France, in a campaign to show its range and driving capabilities.

During the trip, the Leaf and an all-electric support van saved approximately 20 kg CO₂ emissions, equalling the amount of CO₂ a newly planted tree absorbs in a year.

“Our drivers have told us that the Leaf isn’t just a commuter car,” said Nissan Europe electric vehicle director Jean-Pierre Diernaz. “We hope EV drivers are inspired by these picturesque routes and spend their summer weekends enjoying the scenic countryside in the serenity of a zero-emission Nissan EV.” 

The production home of the Nissan Leaf, the UK, staged route four of the trip.

“Fittingly Bristol, this year’s European Green Capital was the highlight on this particular journey,” said Nissan.

“Having just installed 100 EV charging points throughout the city the vehicles drove over the historic Clifton Suspension bridge, built by the British engineering giant, Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1829. It also took in the sites of Dundry Hill in South Gloucester enjoying some of the South West of England’s finest scenery.”

Nissan has sold more than 41,000 Leaf cars across Europe, claiming to have saved 50 million kilograms of CO2 in the process.

The success of the Leaf is reflected across the EV industry, with the UK seeing a 366% surge in ultra low emission vehicles registrations between 2013 and 2014.

In related news, Nissan is also working on a solution for how to deal with old batteries that have lost range and power after several years service. Back in June, the carmaker announced a partnership with Green Charge Networks to cluster old Leaf batteries into commercial energy storage units.

 Brad Allen