European Investment Bank supports electric cars in France

The European Investment bank is to lend a total of US$265 million to support the research, development and deployment of an electric-car sharing service in Paris, France. Following a loan of US$168 million to Groupe Bolloré in 2011 to support the research, development and innovation process, further financing of US$75 million was recently agreed to help fund new services and will go towards: deployment of an interconnected roadside and recharging/parking network; research, development and innovation of subs
October 15, 2012
The 4270 European Investment Bank is to lend a total of US$265 million to support the research, development and deployment of an electric-car sharing service in Paris, France.  

Following a loan of US$168 million to 6716 Groupe Bollore in 2011 to support the research, development and innovation process, further financing of US$75 million was recently agreed to help fund new services and will go towards: deployment of an interconnected roadside and recharging/parking network; research, development and innovation of subscription, billing, recharging and fleet-management systems.

Groupe Bolloré say the new loan will help add to the success of its existing electric car service in Paris: 1,750 electric vehicles using 710 recharging/parking stations for the benefit of 38,800 users.

"This demonstrates our firm commitment in favour of innovation and research and development” said Philippe de Fontaine Vive, EIB Vice President."We are supporting cutting edge technology because this is the key to sustainable economic development and job creation for young people. Company CEO Vincent Bolloré, says, "This new EIB loan will allow us to develop new innovations and applications in the strategically important area of electrical storage.
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