Cobb County (Ga.) has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet by providing seven Nissan Leafs to its Fire and Emergency Services division.

The seven 2016 model-year Nissan Leafs will be used by the fire department to perform daily duties. Cobb county expects to save about $173,000 by switching these seven vehicles from gasoline to electric. The change is also expected to displace over 445,200 lbs. of carbon-dioxide emissions.

"This is another example of our government working in cooperation with private industry to reduce our dependency on foreign oil," said Al Curtis, fleet director. "Fleet Management is making a concerted effort to deploy green technologies throughout the county’s fleet, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility and county sustainability."

Seven charging stations have been deployed for the new additions. The county was also given seven charging cards, furnished by Nissan, which allow for free charging for the term of the lease. 

"This deployment of seven battery-electric vehicles in the public safety arena is the largest implementation in the Southeast as cited by Nissan North America," Curtis added.

Cobb county hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday to celebrate the new vehicles.