Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who announced a major citywide initiative back in December that called for a shift away from diesel and gasoline in fleet operations, announced on Monday that utility Indianapolis Power & Light Co. (IPL) will install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at city fleet facilities.
The plans call for IPL to put 26 stations online at three fleet sites. These chargers will serve Indianapolis' new EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs, which will be deployed in various non-emergency applications.
‘IPL's participation in our electric vehicle initiative is crucial to our plan to transition away from foreign-oil dependence and save about $12,000 over the life of each city vehicle,’ Ballard said. ‘The gift of these charging stations from IPL means we can start upgrading our fleet as soon as possible.’
The charging stations will be located at 1200 Madison Ave., the City-County Building and the Julia Carson Center. Scheduled to be installed this spring, the 220 V Level 2 chargers will be used at times when IPL's EV charging rates are in effect. That rate will enable an all-electric vehicle to be driven approximately 100 miles for about $1, the city says.
IPL estimates that the cost to purchase and install the chargers will be between $120,000 and $150,000. A portion of the cost will be covered through a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
