For the first time ever, a fleet of mass-produced, zero-emission vehicles will take to the streets of Africa.

A dozen electric cars from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, will highlight the benefits of green transportation and will provide zero-emission shuttle services for delegates at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, Nov. 28-Dec. 9. 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 a world leader in electric-vehicle technology and the only car group worldwide offering a range of vehicles that consume no petrol 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.