Indianapolis Power & Light Co. will install vehicle-charging stations at three city locations to assist with Mayor Greg Ballard's goal of converting the city fleet to gas alternatives by 2025.

"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 in a prepared statement. "The gift of these charging stations from IPL means we can start upgrading our fleet as soon as possible."

IPL said Monday morning it would install 26 dedicated stations this spring at 1200 Madison Ave., the City-County Building and the Julia Carson Center.
 
The city’s electric vehicles will charge during low energy-usage times. By taking advantage of IPL’s peak electric-vehicle charging capacity, an all-electric vehicle will be able to be driven about 100 miles for about $1, according to Ballard's office. The units are "Level 2" chargers, which reduce charging time to about one-half that of a standard 110-volt outlet.
 
IPL estimates the cost to purchase and install the chargers at $120,000 to $150,000. A portion of the cost will be covered through a Department of Energy grant.
 
Ballard in December signed an executive order requiring the city to replace its nearly 500 non-police sedans with electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. New vehicles will be purchased as older vehicles are retired. He hopes to completely transition the current 3,100-vehicle fleet to alternatives by 2025.

A recent study found that Indianapolis-area consumers have little interest in buying plug-in electric vehicles.