The era of the 100 percent electric taxi has arrived to Spain's two largest cities. Japanese carmaker Nissan delivered its first all- electric taxis to Madrid and Barcelona yesterday. The introduction the Nissan electric vehicles – the Leaf to Madrid's taxi fleet, and the e-NV200 taxi for Barcelona – brings the option of quiet, zero-emission travel to these bustling city centres.

The Barcelona deliveries served as an important step in the execution of an agreement between Nissan, the City of Barcelona, and the Barcelona Metropolitan area which brings the Barcelona-built e-NV200 to the streets of the city where the revolutionary electric van is produced.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, welcomed the news, commenting: "Declining air quality levels are a top concern across Europe and it's great to see Madrid and Barcelona taking such positive steps in improving air quality through the incorporate of Nissan's all-electric cars into their taxi fleets. These taxi bring a huge benefit not only residents but also for the drivers – thanks to the ultra-low running costs only an electric car can offer. This scheme demonstrates that sustainable transportation is easy and affordable for everyone."

These initiatives reinforce Nissan's continued commitment to electric vehicles as the market continues to develop. September was also the month in which 2014 sales of the pioneering family hatchback passed the 2013 total, with three months still to go.