n For the past 20 years, La Rochelle's conurbation has been driving "in high gear" for the electric vehicle, a key to improving the quality of urban living.

• 1986:
  the first "clean cars" make their debut on the streets of the city.
• 1993-95:
  La Rochelle is chosen by carmaker PSA Peugeot-Citröen, in partnership with EDF, the French power utility, for experimentation with electric cars in real-life situations. The "guinea pigs" were 50 people in La Rochelle who volunteered to use an electric car. They found that they were calmer behind the wheel than when driving a fuel-powered car.
• 1995:
  • The conurbation becomes a partner in the regional "Vedelic" electric-car research programme. EIGSI, La Rochelle's engineering school, still accommodates the European Electric Vehicle Testing Laboratory today.
  • Autoplus (the local public transport system) begins renting out scooters, and then electric cars. Both are yellow, like the bikes.
• 1996:
  as vehicles in the municipal fleet are retired, they are systematically replaced by electric-powered vehicles.
• 1997:
  first car-free day, on 9th September.
• 1998:
  inauguration of the "electric shuttle" (a boat this time!) carrying passengers across the channel just beneath La Rochelle's two towers.
• 1999:
  The Liselec cars begin operation. Subscribers can pick up one of the fleet's electric vehicles whenever they choose, day or night, any day of the week, at seven different locations
• 2001:
  The CdA launches Elcidis, a Europe-sponsored experiment in delivering goods in city centres by electric vehicle. In the Minimes area, the dedicated site for experimentation on the Citadis tramway designed by Alstom nears completion.
  
  2003:
  A "park& ride" system : regular electric shuttle bus service linking the Jean Moulin car park and the "Dames blanches" stop in the city centre.