Tennessee is emerging as a major state for electric car usage, according to San Francisco-based electric transportation and storage technologies company ECOtality.

ECOtality, which operates one of the nation's largest electric vehicle charging networks and is recognized for its Blink electric vehicle chargers, has released Q4 2012 findings that show the following:

• On average, Nissan Leaf drivers in Knoxville utilize public infrastructure at a higher percentage rate than seen in any other region across the country, followed by San Francisco and Los Angeles.

• The average Leaf driver travels 29.2 miles per day. The average Leaf driver in Knoxville travels 33.4 while those in Nashville travel, on average, 32.2. The second and third highest averages in the country respectively.

• Nationwide, the average Chevrolet Volt driver travels 40.5 miles per day. The average Volt driver in Knoxville travels 45.1 while those in Nashville travel 43.1. The highest and third highest in the country respectively.

Driving Nissan's all-electric Leaf? Several companies this week announced the launch of mobile applications to help electric vehicle drivers find charging stations. Tech Crunch takes a look at all your options.

The state of Tennessee is pleased by the strong level of interest from Memphis and other West Tennessee communities regarding The EV Project," said Ryan Gooch, director, Energy Policy, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "Today's announcement demonstrates there is truly widespread statewide interest in EV technology and that bodes well for expanded adoption in the future."

"Electricity as a transportation fuel can benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it can save consumers money by lowering their driving costs," said Anda Ray, TVA senior vice president of Environment and Technology. "These all-in-one charging stations are important to the development of electric vehicles and also to TVA's goal to provide cleaner, low-cost energy."

“ECOtality’s goal for the Blink Network is to allow consumers to charge in locations that are attractive, convenient, and beneficial, making electric vehicles fit their lifestyle," said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, Inc. "Cracker Barrel is setting an excellent example in Tennessee by installing Blink EV Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers at restaurant and store locations along major transportation routes. Consumers will be able to quickly achieve a full charge, or top off their EVs, while spending time at one of their favorite restaurants. We look forward to announcing additional Cracker Barrel locations.”

Guests will be able to get an 80% charge – the recommended charge – in just under a half hour at the 12 Cracker Barrel locations which will have the DC Fast Charging stations. These guests will essentially be able to “fill ‘er up” in about the same amount of time it takes to order and eat a meal. Guests visiting the 12 locations that will have the Blink EV L2 chargers, which are slower than the DC Fast Charging stations, will be able to top off their tanks, so to speak, while eating some good country cookin’ and browsing in the retail shop.

“We’re not sure how long it will be before this technology takes off, but it will be interesting to watch it evolve,” said Gary Streaty, director of VUMC Parking and Transportation Services. “As one of the largest employers in Tennessee and with over 400,000 cars valet parked each year and 1.2 million patient visits, we know someone will show up in an electric vehicle and need to charge.”

“When people think of refueling their cars, they think of gas stations, and we’re excited to work with BP to demonstrate a new way of fueling cars to the American driver,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “We designed our Blink DC fast chargers to meet the needs of both retailers and consumers and make electric vehicles a reality. As BP and ARCO locations are situated along major traffic routes we believe that DC fast charging is ideal for these types of locations.”

“Bovis Lend Lease brings to this project the construction experience critical to the nationwide success of The EV Project,” said Don Karner, President of ECOtality North America. “We look forward to collaborating on leading the large-scale rollout of EV charging stations across the United States as we begin to lay the foundation for consumer EV adoption.”