With the eyes of the world on the COP17 environmental conference currently underway in Durban, Renault-Nissan have decided to do their part in conservation and renewable energy with a display of their zero-emission vehicles. Renault-Nissan note how these vehicles play a critical role in achieving the goals set out by the COP17 conference and by reducing the impact cars have on climate change.

Renault-Nissan are currently leading the way in electric vehicle technology, with the Nissan Leaf already having sold more than 20 000 units worldwide, thus making it the most popular EV in the world. The Leaf is also the current World Car of the Year. Adding to the already impressive lineup is the Renault Twizy, an electric fun to drive hatchback that can be plugged into many conventional wall sockets.

Both the Nissan Leaf and Renault Twizy will be present at the conference, with shuttle services for COP17 delegates as well as test drives that will take place at the Moses Mabhida stadium. Anyone can sign up for these test drives which will run for the duration of the conference.

Nissan is planning on releasing the Nissan Leaf in South Africa in 2013, but it will require the successful discussion between the government and the motoring industry to institute charging infrastructure as well as customer incentives.