The announcement is another advancement in the Orlando region’s development of next-generation transportation infrastructure.
Orlando, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced this morning new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations coming to Turnpike service plazas statewide. Joined by Secretary Florida Dept. Of Transportation Kevin J. Thibault at Florida’s Turnpike Headquarters at Turkey Lake Plaza, Gov. DeSantis announced the state will add seven new EV charging stations from Miami to Daytona Beach along Florida’s Turnpike and spoke with reporters about how the new EV stations benefit residents and visitors alike.
Proposed future EV charging stations include:
- OKAHUMPKA—two EV Level 3 charging stations from Duke energy
- TURKEY LAKE—four EV Level 3 charging stations from Duke energy
- CANOE CREEK—four EV Level 3 charging stations from Duke energy
- FORT DRUM—four EV Level 3 charging stations from FP&L
- PORT ST. LUCIE/FORT PIERCE—four EV Level 3 charging stations from FP&L
- WEST PALM BEACH—four EV Level 3 charging stations from FP&L
- POMPANO BEACH—four EV Level 3 charging stations from FP&L
- All will have additional Tesla Fast Chargers as well
Current EV charging stations include six Tesla Fast Chargers at Turkey Lake and Fort Drum, along with one EV Level 2 charging station at Snapper Creek near Miami.
“When Governor DeSantis took office, he made it very clear his statewide transportation goals included technology and to take Florida to the next level. Today is the latest example of Florida embracing the transportation future,” Secretary Florida Dept. Of Transportation Kevin J. Thibault said. “To make sure Florida continues to be a leader in infrastructure using technology, we must continue to make investments to adapt as technology and driver behavior evolves. Electric vehicles are on our roadways today. The Department of Transportation will work with our partners to ensure necessary resources like electric charging stations are available in our major corridors.”
The announcement follows Governor DeSantis’ June signing of House Bill 311, making Florida the friendliest state in the country for autonomous vehicle research by establishing a statewide statutory framework. This legislation and others like it allowed the Orlando region to host the Automated Vehicles Symposium, which convened AV thought leaders from around the world and highlighted regional assets that make Orlando the hub for the autonomous vehicle industry. During that symposium, companies had the freedom and ability to deploy AV technology on public roads so conference attendees could experience the next generation of transportation first-hand.
Being the largest tourist market in the world and leading the nation in population growth makes Orlando an ideal market for testing varying use cases and driving styles. There is extensive infrastructure already in place for moving 75 million tourists that could be easily adapted to AV technology. Construction, diverse weather conditions, and varied city landscapes ranging from urban to suburban, make Orlando an ideal place to develop and test autonomous vehicles.
In addition to state infrastructure improvements for electric vehicles, Governor DeSantis also said planned improvements to regional mass transit will be announced soon.
