The Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) has partnered with the City of Orlando and the Electrification Coalition to launch an electrified dealers program that expands electric vehicle usage throughout Central Florida.
The partnership will allow for expanded sales and overall usage of electric vehicles through offering rebates for OUC customers who purchase electric vehicles and incentives for car dealership sales staff.
“Electric vehicles are gaining traction and becoming more common on our roads, but for some buyers, there can be myths or misconceptions to overcome, and who better to help educate customers than car dealers!” said Linda Ferrone, chief customer and marketing officer for OUC. “We believe these vehicles will be a major part of Central Florida’s transportation future.”
The electrified dealer program began in October and required participating dealerships to meet certain conditions, including availability for on-site charging, participation in EV-customer-engagement training by OUC EV specialists, and involvement in active media promotion of EV options to customers.
OUC plans to have nearly 300 electric vehicle chargers in its service territory in early 2021, which will include a new, 22-port-charging hub on Robinson Street in downtown Orlando.
This partnership was recently awarded $500,000 to build the downtown charging hub, which will be one of Florida’s largest electric vehicle charging hubs, after a project by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection funded 26 smaller charging stations across the state with $13.5 million, according to a September WFTV article.
The League of Women Voters of Florida named Orange County as a “top tier” performer in their summer electric vehicle report card. This partnership with OUC and the utility’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, along with the electric vehicle charging hub expansion coming soon, are likely to ensure more electric vehicle model innovation.
In Lake Nona, it has been about a year since autonomous electric shuttle Beep came to the area and is now increasing its routes and coverage across the state. The shuttle will likely also continue to expand the Florida Department of Environmental Protection project as will OUC’s partnership to launch the electrified dealer program.
