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Governor DeSantis Announces Plan for Expansion of Florida’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

by Sharon Aron Baron July 24, 2019

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Governor DeSantis Announces Plan for Expansion of Florida’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 2

Photo courtesy Governor’s Office.

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a plan to significantly expand Florida’s electric vehicle infrastructure by increasing the number of charging stations along major thoroughfares throughout the state.

In an announcement held last Wednesday, Governor DeSantis said, “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.”

The plan will be funded in part by the 2018 multi-state Volkswagen Settlement, of which Florida was allotted $166 million to improve air quality. This funding will allow for significant investment to reduce diesel emissions and expand the infrastructure for electric vehicles. Florida’s beneficiary mitigation plan for how the State intends to spend the full $166 million is now available for public comment.

The Governor was joined at the announcement at Florida’s Turnpike Headquarters by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Kevin Thibault, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein, Senator Debbie Mayfield, Representative Bruce Antone, as well as representatives from General Motors, Tesla, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy and other private-sector industry leaders.

Governor DeSantis said, “The addition of these stations will encourage Floridians to buy more electric vehicles, improve air quality, assist during disaster evacuations and ensure that Florida is prepared as electric vehicle technology continues to advance.”