Electric Vehicle and Transit Initiatives

Electric Mobility Task Force and Roadmap
The City of Orlando organized an Electric Mobility Taskforce composed of transportation stakeholders from government, utilities, transit authorities and others, who convened over the course of six months in 2021. Together, the Taskforce created an E-Mobility Roadmap that represents a unified vision of how mobility must and will transform in Orlando by 2030 and beyond. This Roadmap will be published in late 2021, and outlines four shared, core goals, along with specific targets and indicators to monitor progress and advance implementation.

Electric Vehicle Readiness Policy
In August 2021, City Council approved an Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness code that requires new construction projects to meet current EV charging needs through installation of charging stations, and prepare for future demand with “EV Capable” parking spaces. The intent of EV Readiness is to provide widespread access to EV charging throughout the City to prepare for rapid EV adoption, improve local air quality, and achieve the City’s sustainability and climate goals in an inclusive and accessible manner. 

Download the EV Readiness Guide(PDF, 6MB)

Download the EV Ready Guide One Pager(PDF, 1MB)

Electric Fleet Vehicles
The City of Orlando boasts 1,689 alternative fuel vehicles currently in its fleet and plans to grow this number to a total of 2,389 by 2030. Recent additions, such as 15 new Chevy Bolts and the 100 Electric F-150 trucks currently in order, help to contribute to this transition. These clean vehicles are saving taxpayer dollars spent on operations and maintenance and reducing the emissions released in the process.

CNG and Hydraulic Hybrid Garbage Trucks and Recycling Trucks
Today, over 90% of the City of Orlando’s refuse and recycling collection trucks have been replaced by compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The new CNG trucks are significantly quieter on our city streets and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12.5 thousand metric tons – the equivalent to taking 325 cars off the road - each year. And they further reduce the city’s use of more expensive diesel fuels. 

Micromobility
The City of Orlando is constantly exploring innovative approaches toward expanding and enhancing mobility options. Allowing for the operation of businesses that can provide dockless bike sharing and scooter sharing for our residents, workers and visitors, is one more way the city is advancing viable, healthy and environmentally sustainable transportation alternatives. The city is currently piloting services with several dockless bike and scooter vendors and will be selecting a few to serve the City Beautiful in the long-term.

Electric LYMMO Free Downtown Circulator
LYMMO - a fare-free circulator that provides downtown Orlando residents, employees, and visitors with quick and convenient transport around downtown – is currently transitioning towards a 100% electric fleet by 2025. Seven electric buses were deployed in 2020, with the remaining six anticipated to come online by Spring 2022.

Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure 
Consistent and equitable access to charging infrastructure is critical to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. To address this need, charging station access has been steadily expanding through both public and private investments. To date there are over 30 publicly-accessible charging stations around the city and a fast-charging hub is currently in design and development in the downtown core. Additionally, the city’s efforts to expand electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) are ongoing and aligned with regional and state planning efforts to expand access throughout Florida. Charging station locations can be viewed here.

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL)
In 2020, a flying taxi startup from Germany, Lilium, announced plans to build its first US transportation hub—a new 56,000 sq ft vertiport—at the Lake Nona community in Orlando, Florida – by 2025. Lilium’s goal is to create a network of electrically powered air taxis capable of short, high-speed flights, and will be strategically located near Orlando International Airport and other aviation support infrastructure in the vicinity.

Local Utility Rebates and Guides
The Orlando Utilities Commission is helping to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as support electrification of public transportation across Central Florida by collaborating with local partners and encourage residents to make the switch. Customers who purchase an electric vehicle can take advantage of a rebate incentive,  and utilize their EV Charging at Home and Buying an Electric Vehicle guides as great resources when considering an EV purchase. OUC’s Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Service hosts the Charge-It or Own-It programs to help businesses add EV charging infrastructure to their property.

Duke Energy has committed to transitioning 100% of its fleet to EVs and also offer incentives and guidance for commercial and residential customers. In 2018, Duke Energy launched their Park & Plug program to expand access to EV charging stations in Florida. More than 530 EV chargers (Level 2 and Fast Chargers) are being deployed across public spaces and thoroughfares in Florida. Through Park & Plug’s pilot program, Duke Energy will provide equipment, installation, warranty, and network connection services free of charge through 2022.

And don’t forget federal tax credits if you purchase an all-electric or plug in hybrid vehicle!

Electrified Dealer Program
OUC has introduced an Electrified Dealer Program designed to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) purchasing experience and help increase and encourage EV purchasing and leasing in Central Florida. Through this program, local dealers can take advantage of financial incentives for each eligible electric vehicle sold or leased along with specialized EV training and educational materials. Reach out to and visit these dealers for a test drive – and well-informed advice about your next vehicle purchase or lease today!

Charging Station Locations and Use
Plugshare provides maps of electric vehicle charging stations all over the world! They also offer an app to make finding a charger and planning your trip easy. ChargeHub is another resource with information on publicly available charging stations throughout Orlando. Finally, residents and visitors alike can download the Greenlots app to find and utilize city-managed charging stations. Finally, the Department of Energy has a database of alternative fuel stations.

BEEP Autonomous Vehicles: Move Nona
Move Nona is a bold new approach to transportation, providing Lake Nona residents and visitors with a variety of efficient and inter-connected ways to get around. Lake Nona has engaged BEEP to bring the region’s first autonomous shuttles to the area. The shuttles operate daily and each one holds up to 10 passengers. Each driverless shuttle is accompanied by BEEP attendant and operates at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. Currently, these shuttles are free to ride, courtesy of Lake Nona and BEEP.