PORTLAND, OR – Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has said that Nissan will supply electric vehicles to the state government’s fleet in 2010. The announcement came after Kulongoski met with Nissan executives as part of his business mission to Japan and China, according to www.oregoncitynewsonline.com.

At the same time, Nissan also committed to work with the state and Portland General Electric to develop an electric vehicle-charging network. PGE has already installed six EV charging stations in the Portland area and Salem, with plans for six more.

“Our reliance on foreign oil and our emissions of greenhouse gases come from dependence on gasoline powered vehicles. Government can help consumers transition by working with the private sector to create the necessary infrastructure and demand for new, cleaner vehicles,” Kulongoski said, according to www.oregoncitynewsonline.com. “By partnering with Nissan and Portland General Electric, we can work together to build a consistent and reliable infrastructure so consumers can make the switch seamlessly to electric vehicles.”