The carmaker says its data shows that 41,100 pure electric Nissan LEAFs driven in Europe have already prevented the emission of just under 50 million kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Based on current growth figures, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be 2.5 billion vehicles in the world, far outstripping today’s 1 billion. So with CO2 emissions that are currently estimated at 600 million tons worldwide, transport will have an increasingly prominent role in shaping cities.

Figures from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) suggest that putting 1,000 electric vehicles on a streets would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30,000 kg and CO2 emissions by over 2,000 tons per year. Furthermore, it would also significantly reduce noise pollution levels as the Nissan’s zero-emission vehicles, the LEAF and the e-NV200, makes less noise than a 26-decibel ceiling fan.

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

The carmaker also added that electric vehicles can also reduce maintenance costs by up to 40% compared to a vehicle with a conventional combustion engine and reduce spending on fuel by between three and four times.