Renault-Nissan Alliance Electric Vehicles at COP17 in South Africa

The 17th annual Conference of Parties (better known as COP17) aims to "stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system."

Electric vehicles, which can be charged from purely renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, will play a critical role in achieving COP17’s goals and reducing the impact of climate change.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is the world leader in electric-vehicle technology and the only car group worldwide offering a range of vehicles that consume no gasoline whatsoever. The Renault-Nissan Alliance plans to sell 1.5 million zero-emission cars by 2016.

Nissan has already sold more than 20,000 LEAFs on three continents, making it the most popular EV in the world. Renault just began selling Kangoo Z.E., a light commercial vehicle. The Fluence Z.E. family sedan will go on sale shortly followed by Twizy, an urban 2-seater, and ZOE, a compact hatchback, next year.

Twizy sneak peak and test-drive opportunities

At COP17, the Alliance will offer test drives in the Renault Twizy, a fun-to-drive commuter vehicle that can be plugged into many conventional wall sockets. COP17 marks one of the first public test-drive opportunities for the Twizy, an antidote to the air and noise pollution plaguing some of the world’s biggest cities. Twizy test drives will take place at South Africa’s landmark Moses Mabhida Stadium throughout the conference.

COP17 will also offer a sneak peek of the highly acclaimed Nissan LEAF, named World Car of the Year 2011, and Renault Fluence Z.E., a luxury sedan. Both cars will be on the streets as shuttles for COP17 delegates. They will also be available for test drives.

Anyone can sign up for test rides throughout the duration of the conference at the Alliance’s booth in the Climate Change Response Expo near Durban’s International Convention Center.

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