Tennessee buying Nissan LEAF electric vehicles

The electric cars, for the state fleet, have zero emissions. They are to be made in Smyrna, Tenn. State officials said in a news release Wednesday that two more charging stations are being added.

Funding for the initiative came from an April 2011 Clean Air Act settlement with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Under the consent decree, Tennessee will receive $26.4 million over five years to fund clear air programs in the state.

Gov. Bill Haslam said increasing energy efficiency in state government will help the state be a better steward of taxpayer dollars and the environment.