Many Florida drivers and businesses are beginning to turn to electric vehicles (EVs) as they learn about the cost-savings, tax incentives and environmental benefits they bring—and the state and local car dealerships are stepping up to meet the increased demand.

“It’s expected that one out of every four vehicles sold in the U.S. will be electric by 2027, and Florida will need an additional 5,000 charging ports by 2026 to meet growing demand,” says Crystal Stiles – executive director of development, distributed technologies and mobility for Florida Power & Light Company.

That’s why FPL launched the FPL EVolution^® program in 2019. They are working on installing almost 250 charging locations across the state. There are currently close to 30 fast charging stations in operation today — two of which are in Volusia County, including the One Daytona shopping center — capable of powering most EV batteries in about 30 minutes.

“Most of our chargers are located in high-traffic roadways where drivers can charge up along highways like Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 and other major thoroughfares,” says Ms. Stiles. “And we take a unique approach to installing public charging — one that is not primarily driven by utilization but is focused on access in underserved communities, rural areas, less-traveled highways and emergency evacuation routes.”

Jeromie Allan, executive manager: Gary Yeomans Ford & Lincoln Daytona agrees that EV sales are up in Volusia County, and his dealership is stepping up by offering a home charger with installation for any customer who purchases an EV.

He says that an important part of his dealership’s work is “educating consumers about Electric Vehicles, the charging network, the efficiency and ease of ownership and the overall cost savings.”

He encourages anyone who is on the fence about EVs to ignore negative press and focus on the positive aspects that EVs can bring.

“The negative information often talked about is charging anxiety, lack of range and overall expense,” he says.

FPL is also supporting consumers with EVs through FPL EVolution^® Home, a subscriber program that provides unlimited weeknight and weekend off-peak charging for $38 a month.

“If residents qualify, they can opt-in for a level 2 charger to be installed inside their home with zero upfront cost, including electrical work and permitting,” says Ms. Stiles.

Local businesses in Volusia County and across the state can also become EV charging site hosts through the FPL EVolution^® Public Charging program. By becoming a host, they can take advantage of increased customer traffic without a capital investment.

“Our team makes it easy for site hosts — as we design, permit, construct, operate and maintain charging stations with zero cost to them. All that is needed are a few parking spaces,” says Ms. Stiles. “Once chargers are in place, about nine out of 10 EV drivers make a purchase while charging their vehicles, with 43% becoming regular visitors.”

Businesses that operate fleets of vehicles can benefit from the FPL EVolution^® Fleet program, which helps them develop a strategy for electrification.

“It includes identifying the types of EVs they need, designing the right charging infrastructure to support their fleet and projecting cost and emissions savings,” says Ms. Stiles.

Mr. Allan’s dealership is also responding to increased demand by installing 20 EV chargers, developing an EV-specific sales team and increasing its available EV inventory.

In addition, he says that local businesses that switch to EVs can benefit from a “significant decrease in maintenance and ZERO fuel costs.” He also says that the vehicles help to promote environmentally-friendly behavior that can help attract new clientele and that businesses can also benefit from government tax savings.

Lastly, FPL recently introduced the FPL EVolution^® mobile EV charging trailer to provide charging support on the go. It can be deployed during large events, power outages and public emergencies. It provides up to 4,000 total miles of fast EV charging for up to six vehicles at a time so drivers can get to their next charging location.

“FPL’s team is ready to support your business through the transition to electric vehicles. Whether you need guidance on which charging station to install or assistance with navigating the permitting and installation process or if you have questions about our FPL EVolution^® program, our team is here to assist every step of the way,” says Ms. Stiles.

“We believe that EV is not the way of the future, it is the way now,” Mr. Allan says.