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FPL Inaugurates State's Largest EV Fleet and Public Charging Station

17 August 1998

FPL Inaugurates State's Largest EV Fleet, Public Charging Station


    MIAMI--Aug. 14, 1998--Florida Power & Light Company today unveiled Florida's largest electric vehicle fleet and the state's largest public charging station at the company's Miami General Office facilities, bringing nearer the day when EVs are common on Florida's roads.
    Dozens of new EVs -- forming one of the largest fleets in the nation -- were paraded before hundreds of civic and corporate leaders and FPL employees to demonstrate that the vehicles already are viable and beneficial.
    "Today is a big day for the future of advanced transportation in Florida and for us at FPL," said Larry Laseter, FPL's vice president of sales and marketing. "We're trying to set an example for other companies and individuals to jump on the EV fast track because EVs offer so many advantages, particularly to our fragile natural environment."
    Bob Suggs, FPL's manager for electric transportation, who also serves as chairman of the Atlanta-based Southern Coalition for Advanced Transportation, outlined the following benefits of EVs nationally and in Florida:

-- Emission-free operation dramatically reduces air pollution and
    the many problems associated with greenhouse gases.
-- Virtually quiet ride greatly reduces noise pollution.
-- No engine oils, belts, hoses, fluids or other waste associated
    with conventional vehicles discarded into the environment.
-- Lower maintenance costs.
-- Reduced dependence on foreign fuels.


    Mr. Suggs said the state is particularly suited for EV technology because of its flat terrain, concise traffic patterns, moderate year-round temperatures, and a strong environmental commitment from the community. He says the automobile industry has set its sights on Florida as an attractive early market for EVs. "With our fleet as one of the very largest in the nation, it accentuates even further Florida's important role in the national roll-out of EVs."
    The 41 new vehicles -- including the EV1 by General Motors, the RAV4-EV from Toyota, the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10 -- are the latest in EV technology and will be incorporated into the company's overall corporate fleet. They will be driven like any other "company car," used by service planners and supervisors on customer calls and for security patrol.
    Winton Kelly, national accounts manager for FPL, test drove an EV1 at the dedication and is looking forward to driving an EV frequently.
    "The ride was incredibly smooth and powerful at the same time. What impressed me the most was how quiet it ran -- almost silently," said Mr. Kelly, who is excited about demonstrating the cars to his national commercial customers who also have fleets. "It will be great for the environment and our overall quality of life when these are in large numbers on our roads."
    The availability of public chargers is an important step in the widespread acceptance of EVs. Mr. Suggs emphasized the new station, featuring nine chargers and parking spaces reserved for EV re-charging. Five of the chargers are MagneCharge, the industry standard for inductive charging. FPL earlier this year signed a deal to be the exclusive sales and service agent of MagneCharge throughout most of Florida.
    "For now, the chargers will be primarily used for the EVs in our own fleet, but they are open to anyone driving an EV who wants a quick, convenient charge," Mr. Suggs said.
    FPL, a national leader in EV development, recently opened an EV service center in Pompano Beach and helped launch the ElectroWave electric shuttle system on Miami Beach. It has directed numerous EV education programs throughout Florida schools and is the founding member of EV Ready Broward, one of 11 test areas nationwide preparing for widespread EV introduction through EV education and infrastructure development.
    For more information on electric vehicles, call 1-800-DIAL-FPL or visit www.fpl.com.
    FPL is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. , which has annual revenues of more than $6 billion and is one of the country's largest providers of electricity-related services. FPL serves 3.6 million customer accounts in Florida.