Construction set to begin on first 12 BlueIndy electric car share stations

Indy Chamber News Archives

INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis, Bolloré Group and Indianapolis Power & Light Company announced construction will begin soon on the first 12 of up to 200 BlueIndy electric car share stations in Indianapolis. As part of the launch effort, BlueIndy plans to hire up to 50 local employees by the end of 2015.

“I am delighted to welcome BlueIndy to Indianapolis and to add this robust electric car share service to the growing list of amenities and transit options in our city,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “When this network is complete, it will make Indianapolis even more attractive to new residents and talent, offer conference goers and visitors a way to explore the city beyond the walkable downtown, and distinguish us as one of the most electrified cities in America.”

The BlueIndy system will be the largest electric car share service in the U.S. when complete. The service is part of the city’s transit strategy, which was recognized by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx during his visit to Indianapolis last week. Stations throughout the city will offer the membership-based car share service as well as electric vehicle charging infrastructure that the public can use to charge personal EVs.

“Since deploying our demonstration site in Indianapolis last year, we have received an overwhelmingly positive reception from Indy residents for our electric car sharing program,” said Hervé Muller, President of BlueIndy, LLC. “BlueIndy continues to work in partnership with the City and all stakeholders to prepare a successful launch, which includes our increased financial commitment to Indianapolis.”

“At IPL we understand that an ‘energized’ city is a significant driver of economic development,” said Kelly Huntington, President and CEO of IPL. “We are excited about the opportunities this program will bring to Indianapolis and committed to helping to power the efforts of those who are working towards innovative uses of electric vehicles.” 

"Indianapolis is recognized as a premier destination for conventions and big events, and BlueIndy's car share service adds yet another valuable amenity to attract visitors and help them explore all that our city and region have to offer," said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy.

A full grand opening for the BlueIndy service is anticipated to take place in summer of 2015. The following are the first 12 station sites:

BlueIndy Station Name                                 Street Address

Washington & Illinois                                      107 W Washington St

Statehouse East                                               49 N Capitol Ave

Ohio & Pennsylvania                                      103 E Ohio St

City County Building                                        11 N Delaware St

Fountain Square                                               1107 E Morris St

Irvington                                                              27 S Audubon Rd

University of Indianapolis                             3996 Shelby St

Broad Ripple & College                                  731 Broad Ripple Ave

City Market                                                        121 N Delaware St

Convention Center North                            228 W Maryland St

Mass Ave 2                                                         476 N New Jersey St

IUPUI                                                                    333 University Blvd

The BlueIndy system will be financed by more than $40 million from BlueIndy, a $6 million commitment from the City of Indianapolis and up to $3.7 million investment from IPL.  Public dollars will support public infrastructure improvements, including road markings, small signage, and curb and street maintenance. The City will receive a portion of BlueIndy’s profits and the State of Indiana and Marion County will receive an additional excise tax from BlueIndy. IPL funds will support work related to public utility infrastructure for the EV charging services.

For more information on BlueIndy, visit www.blue-indy.com.

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