Brazilian capital city of Rio de Janeiro has inked a partnership with Nissan do Brasil (NBA) and Petrobras Distribuidora to employ zero-emission vehicles as taxis.

In the phase-I of the initiative, NBA will provide two Nissan LEAF taxis that produce no tailpipe-pollution to the city while 13 more units are expected to be added to the fleet by the end of 2013.

NBA Sales & Marketing vice president Manuel de La Guardia said that the project reaffirms the company’s aim to promote a planet-friendly life.

"This is a step forward towards our commitment to the country’s development, by offering zero-emission cars designed with embedded Japanese quality and innovation," added Guardia.

These electric taxis with 48 lithium-ion batteries will be recharged in two Petrobras service stations at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and in the Barra da Tijuca area.

Municipality of Rio de Janeiro aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 16% by 2016 compared to emission levels of 2005, according to the city’s climate policy.