FPL’s EV Expressway Electrifies Summer Road Trips

Planning to take one last summer road trip with the family before the kids go back to school? For electric vehicle drivers, the FPL EV Expressway is making it easier than ever to take an electrified road trip. The planning tool connects drivers with charging stations and fun destinations along the way.

Many of these charging stations can be found near some of the 70+ FPL SolarNow partner locations across the state, including museums, parks, or zoos, giving you the opportunity to see solar energy up close or first hand. Take the driver’s seat on your upcoming road trip for a clean and educational summer adventure the whole family can enjoy.

To start, use the tool’s interactive map to locate FPL EVolution® public charging stations so you can travel with ease using one of the largest EV charging networks in Florida. Get inspired by several pre-planned itineraries below or get creative with your own road trip route!

 

Summer Road Trip Adventure #1: Fort Lauderdale to Melbourne

Taking a trip to the beaches of Central Florida? Follow the guide below that will start your adventure before you even arrive.

To kick off your road trip, spend a couple hours at the Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Spend time exploring interactive exhibits and an outdoor science park that features an FPL SolarNow tree, where you can get some shade and charge your phone. For more solar fun, check out the augmented reality exhibit featuring “Sunny,” an interactive solar tree that can teach your family how solar energy is captured and used to power the community.

After wrapping up the fun at the museum, hit the road and make a pit stop at the Florida Turnpike Service Plaza in Ft. Pierce/St. Lucie for a fast charge and a bite to eat. Then, stay the night at the Holiday Inn Express in Palm Bay and recharge before the next day’s adventures.

On day two of your trip, marvel at more than 650 animals and 165 species at the Brevard Zoo. While you’re there, stop by our three FPL SolarNow trees and learn about the importance of both wildlife preservation and energy conservation.  Even the zoo’s kangaroos are excited about solar, as they often rest under the FPL SolarNow trees after hopping around all day in the Australia and Beyond exhibit.

 

Summer Road Trip Adventure #2: Bradenton to Naples

What better way to enjoy a relaxing vacation than a getaway to sunny Southwest Florida? Follow this suggested route for a fun-filled experience when traveling from Bradenton to Naples.

Before you begin your road trip, make sure you charge up. Stop by the Publix at Lockwood Commons in Bradenton for a fast charge as you start your journey to Naples.

As you make your way South, don’t miss out on the opportunity to stop in Charlotte County to visit the solar-powered town of Babcock Ranch. This spot is a great way for you and your family to get your energy up, all while learning about solar innovation. The FPL Solar Energy Center on-site powers thousands of residents’ homes due to state-of-the-art battery storage. The FPL SolarNow trees and canopies around the area also provide sustainable, clean energy.  If you visit on the right day, you might even be able to catch one of the city’s many free events, including movie nights, holiday events or food trucks. Spend the night at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples and charge your EV overnight while enjoying views of the Gulf of Mexico.

On the next day of your trip, visit the wild and entertaining Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, which is home to one of the largest FPL SolarNow projects in Florida. You can park your EV under the shaded canopy that’ll prevent the hot sun from heating up your car while generating energy to power the community.

 

An Electrified Future

FPL remains committed to a more sustainable future through the electrification of transportation in Florida – a state that is currently ranked second in the nation for EV ownership.

With the FPL EVolution® fast charging network, you can power up approximately every 50 miles along major highways such as Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 and east-west corridors. There are nearly 30 FPL fast charging stations located in convenient, safe spots near highway exits or along major thoroughfares and close to amenities. These high-speed charging stations allow vehicles to power up in about 20 to 30 minutes.

The best part? FPL EVolution® chargers are compatible with most types of EVs, including Teslas, if you have an adapter. Level 2 fast chargers can be found at popular destinations around town such as museums and zoos.

Next time you hit the road, use FPL’s EV Expressway to plan your route!