Florida Turnpike becomes EV friendly
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the popular US highway would soon “become a friendlier highway for motorists driving electric vehicles.” The plan to install EV charging stations at each of the Turnpike’s 8 plazas.
The Florida Turnpike stretches for 312 miles from Orlando to the southern Miami-Dade county. Three of the eight plazas that also offer food and gas, are currently fitted with EV chargers. The expansion of the charging network is estimated to take about two months per plaza, and efforts are expected to get underway before the year is out.
According to Solar United Neighbors, a solar-energy advocacy group, there are about 28,000 electric vehicles in the state. Eric Silagy, President and CEO, Florida Power & Light Company said: “Along with our plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030, we are committed to helping the state significantly expanding the amount of EV charging stations so more Floridians can enjoy the benefits of using electric vehicles.”
Funding for the $25 million expansion will come from the $166 million pot that Florida received from the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal. Following the expansion of infrastructure on the Turnpike, other major highways, such as the Interstate 95 or Inter 75 will follow, according to governor DeSantis: “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.”
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