Florida’s Thriving EV Market Subsidizes Charger Installations in Other States

Florida’s EV Market Soars Amid Political Pushback on Federal Funding

By the close of 2023, Florida embraced approximately 232,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads, solidifying its position as the second-largest EV market in the United States. Factors contributing to this surge include lower electricity costs, ample solar energy potential, and a thriving luxury car market in cities such as Miami. The nonprofit Electrification Coalition has lauded Florida’s EV growth as a “beacon of progress.”

Despite this achievement, Florida’s EV landscape is embroiled in political controversy—a stark contrast to other EV-heavy states like California and New York. This turbulence comes as the federal government aims to invest significantly in nationwide EV charging networks through programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program

The NEVI Program, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a $5 billion initiative that provides federal funding to states for DC fast charging stations. These states then distribute the funds to private companies that install the chargers. While the program has faced criticism regarding the slow installation of chargers, more NEVI-funded stations are gradually emerging across the nation.

Florida, however, has been reluctant to distribute its allocated NEVI funds. Recent reports from sources such as the Tampa Bay Times and Axios reveal that Florida has yet to utilize any of its $198 million federal allocation over five years for expanding its DC fast-charging network. Consequently, key players like ChargePoint, Tesla, and various gas stations cannot access federal grants to install new chargers in Florida, unlike in other states.

Instead, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has launched a new website criticizing the Biden Administration’s agenda, including its push for EV adoption. The website argues against federal mandates and promotes “fuel freedom” and consumer choice, questioning the push to phase out the internal combustion engine.

Political Statements and Controversy

Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal critic of the Biden Administration, has centered his messaging around transportation, distancing his policies from what he calls the "politics of Washington." "Roads are not for politics," DeSantis asserted, emphasizing that Florida’s transportation policies focus on meeting residents’ needs without political bias.

Loren McDonald, CEO of analytics firm EVAdoption, highlights that Florida’s resistance to using NEVI funds essentially redirects taxpayer dollars to other states. McDonald contends that DeSantis is depriving Floridians of the benefits their federal tax contributions should yield.

Strained Relations with Private Charging Providers

Florida’s reluctance to facilitate NEVI funding has frustrated private entities eager to develop EV infrastructure in the state. The Charge Ahead Partnership, which includes gas station chains like Wawa and Buc-ee’s, has criticized Florida for its non-operational NEVI application process, pointing out that delays exacerbate the already slow rollout of EV chargers.

FDOT spokesman Michael Williams defended the agency’s stance, arguing that private enterprise, not federal directives, should drive industry growth. Williams claimed that with EVs making up just about 1% of all vehicles in the U.S., the market’s demand for EVs remains low.

McDonald countered this viewpoint, suggesting that the current low percentage of EVs is due to the nascent stage of the technology’s adoption. "It will take decades to replace the majority of internal combustion engine vehicles on U.S. roads," McDonald noted, highlighting the substantial growth in EV models and production only recently emerging.

A Reversal in DeSantis’ Stance on EVs

The apparent shift in DeSantis’ position on EVs is noteworthy. In 2020, DeSantis supported an $8.6 million investment to enhance Florida’s EV infrastructure and drafted an ambitious EV Infrastructure Master Plan in 2021. The governor praised the environmental and transportation benefits of EVs back then, a stark contrast to his administration’s current narrative criticizing federal EV mandates.

As the Biden Administration continues to push for EV adoption, Florida’s taxpayers risk seeing their contributions fund EV infrastructure in other states while their own state leaves federal resources untapped. This hesitation to embrace EV infrastructure may also discourage EV owners from visiting Florida—a state renowned for its tourism industry.

Conclusion

Florida stands at a crossroads in its approach to EV infrastructure. While the state boasts one of the largest EV markets in the U.S., political resistance and delays in utilizing federal funds for charging infrastructure could hamper its progress. As the debate rages on, the ultimate impact of these decisions on Florida’s EV future remains to be seen.

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