Figures from the car manufacturer’s Global Data Centre suggest that 41,100 pure electric Nissan LEAF vehicles driven in Europe have prevented millions of kg of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.

The figures come as Nissan announced its Global Green Program 2016 to reduce emissions.

Nissan Europe chairman Paul Willcox said: “With our Global Green Program, Nissan is leading by example. In the last fiscal year, we proposed solutions to reduce CO2 emissions by 50,000.

“It really is possible to put in place efficient and sustainable mobility models which prevent pollutant emissions, protect the environment and also meet the individual, collective and business transport needs of today’s society.”

Landmark sales

The launch comes as the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced it had sold its 250,000th electric vehicle – specifically, a white Renault ZOE in France. The Alliance reported it had sold 31,700 electric vehicles from January-May 2015, up 15% on the same period in 2014.

Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said demand for electric vehicles was being driven by government incentives and expanding infrastructure. The landmark sale comes after the French government introduced an environmental bonus in April, offering a rebate on new electric vehicles.

“The positive response of our customers is also driving demand,” said Mr Ghosn. “These vehicles enjoy some of the highest levels of satisfaction rates from our customers around the world.”

Japan-based Nissan had sold 185,000 electric vehicles worldwide since December 2010 and French carmaker Renault reported sales of 65,000 vehicles since its first electric model went on sale in 2011.

Annual Conference

The announcements coincide with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) hosts its Annual Conference this week. The LowCVP announced more than £10bn will be needed to invest in the UK’s low-carbon vehicle infrastructure if it is to reach its carbon emission reduction targets by 2050.

The organisation released a series of ‘Infrastructure Roadmap’ reports, which found £2.1bn would be needed by 2030, with the investments requiring long-term government support.

Last week, Nissan announced used Leaf batteries will form the basis of commercial energy storage systems, with plans to make the batteries available for reuse from late 2015.

Matt Field

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