Attention electric-car drivers: Florida Power & Light Co. just announced it plans to install 1,000 electric-charging stations at 100 locations across the state.
It’s good news for the growing number of drivers of electric cars, but also one every FPL electric utility customer could end up paying for on their monthly bills.
Juno Beach-based FPL said that the charging stations would be located on major roadways, public parks, shopping malls, at large employers and tourism destinations, according to a news release.
“There are 17 chosen locations so far, mostly in Palm Beach County, including large employers Office Depot and SBA Communications in Boca Raton, city of Boynton Beach, The Breakers resort on Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari, and the Port of Palm Beach,” said Alys Daly, spokeswoman for FPL. “There are no locations selected in Broward yet. In Miami-Dade County, the city of Sunny Isles Beach will have a charging station.”
Daly said she didn’t have a cost for the charging stations, but they would go through regulatory approval in Tallahassee as part of a future cost-recovery filing with the Florida Public Service Commission.
“We’re doing this so we can understand the impact of electric vehicle charging on the grid,” Daly said.
FPL said it also is providing batteries for five electric buses for West Palm Beach schools, as part of the pilot program.
“The charging stations are part of the utility’s overall plan toward more sustainable energy sources,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL.
FPL previously announced a plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030.
FPL’s chargers are universal, compatible with Teslas and all electric cars, as well as all plug-in hybrids such as the Prius and Ford Fusion.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced a plan in July to install more electric-car charging stations along major state thoroughfares such as Florida’s Turnpike service plazas.
“As electric cars become more prevalent on our roads and highways, the development of these charging stations is essential to the success of our ever-evolving transportation system,” DeSantis said in making the announcement.
There are a wide range of electric cars available now with brands including Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda and more. Some, such as Tesla, have their own charging stations at Florida’s Turnpike service plazas, employer and community locations.
Source: SunSentinel