Florida Power & Light (FPL), which serves some five million customers on the east coast of Florida, has announced a new initiative to install over 1,000 charging stations at 100 sites. The company has also begun a pilot of V2G technology.

“Along with our plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030, we’re committed to our comprehensive vision for a more sustainable future through the electrification of transportation,” said FPL CEO Eric Silagy. “Our new FPL EVolution program will help the state significantly expand the amount of EV charging stations.”

The new charging stations will be deployed at over 100 locations, including public parks, shopping malls and large employers. Jupiter Medical Center will install charging stations for both public and employee use, and Office Depot will install stations for its employees. Public chargers will also be deployed at Brightline commuter rail stations in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

FPL is also promoting the electrification of school buses. In July, the company announced a partnership with the city of West Palm Beach to purchase the state’s first electric school buses. The five buses will support the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and will take part in a pilot of vehicle-to-grid technology. When the buses aren’t running morning pick-ups and afternoon drop-offs, the batteries will provide grid balancing services. FPL hopes the experience gained from this pilot will serve as a blueprint for school districts throughout the state.

Source: Florida Power & Light