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FPL expanding electric vehicle program

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Posted at 2:44 PM, Jul 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-30 18:11:19-04

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JUNO BEACH, Fla--Lillian Carrascoza just bought a new electric car.

She got it because several charging stations were installed at her work, enticing her to go green.

"I live about 10 15 miles from here, so really it's just so so convenient," she said.

According to Carrascoza: "It feels awesome, I mean, you're helping the environment!"

Her job, happens to be at Florida Power and Light which is expanding their electric vehicle program to install 1,000 more EV charging handles across the state.

Florida is the 4th largest EV state in the country.

"FPL, the leader in solar, wants to become a leader in electric vehicles," said FPL Development Group Project Director Anuj Chokshi.

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Chokshi says the workplace is a good place to start. "It definitely promotes sustainability efforts."

FPL started its own workplace charging program with 15 people enrolled in 2015. It's now grown to more than 250 people. "Studies have shown that when you have workplace charging, an employee is six times more likely to purchase an electric vehicle," Chokshi said.

FPL will be installing charging stations at other large employers in the state, including Jupiter Medical Center this year. "It will be available for all of their employees and visitors."

FPL will also be installing along major highways, shopping malls, and parks to help reduce emissions.

"Before I enjoyed coming to work, now I enjoy it even more with an EV," Carrascoza said.

FPL says it wants to keep the mission moving forward. It wants to increase the availability of charging stations in Florida by nearly 50% in the coming years.