Story submitted by Florida Power & Light Company
National Drive Electric Week is a great time to consider driving an electric vehicle (EV). They’re better for the environment and are fun to drive, plus they are convenient with home charging as an easy option. Now, a new program from Florida Power & Light Company will give consumers more range confidence with the installation of more than 1,000 charging ports around the state at 100+ popular locations, including Florida’s Turnpike service plazas.
FPL is supporting the adoption of electric vehicles around the state with “FPL EVolution.”
The program will significantly increase EV infrastructure in Florida, and provide the company valuable information about emerging “Vehicle-to-Grid” technology.
“We’ve transformed Florida’s clean energy landscape by reducing emissions while keeping customer bills low,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL.
“Along with our plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030, we’re committed to our comprehensive vision for a more sustainable future through the electrification of transportation. Our new FPL EVolution program will help the state significantly expand the amount of EV charging stations, so more Floridians can enjoy the benefits of using electric vehicles – making the state a leader in clean transportation.”
EV charging stations are at popular places in the city of West Palm Beach, such as at the Palm Beach Outlets, the Brightline station, Palm Beach International Airport, and garages throughout Downtown and Rosemary Square. The city of West Palm Beach is committed to sustainability, and has partnered with FPL to announce Florida’s first electric school bus pilot program.
The buses will transport children for the Parks and Recreation Department, and the batteries in the buses will provide power to the electric grid during peak times of demand for electricity. The buses will run on an electric motor that can go as far as 100 miles on one charge and can store energy when not in use.
When fully charged, the batteries in the five buses have enough combined energy to charge nearly 100,000 iPhones.