As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm, the state is facing a massive evacuation effort. While gas stations are running dry due to the surge in residents fleeing the tempest’s path, electric vehicle (EV) owners are dealing with a different but equally pressing concern: the strain on charging infrastructure.
While EV chargers don’t “run out” of electricity in the same way gas stations run out of fuel, the increased demand from evacuating drivers has the potential to overwhelm the existing network of charging stations. Recognizing this challenge, the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) has deployed temporary EV charging stations along key evacuation routes to help relieve some of the pressure.
The state has announced that up to 10 temporary charging stations
Florida’s emergency charging infrastructure effort is not a large-scale deployment but could prove vital for EV owners navigating the evacuation. The state has announced that up to 10 temporary charging stations will be set up along the major highways. As of Wednesday afternoon, six of these stations are already live and operational, with most positioned along the northbound lanes of Interstate 75. One station has been set up to support those traveling south, a route many may take to avoid overcrowded highways or to find alternate shelters.
Each of these temporary stations is equipped with a single charging plug, but they are versatile enough to support multiple types of EV connectors. Drivers of Tesla vehicles using the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the majority of EVs that use the Combined Charging System (CCS) port, and even older models like the Nissan Leaf with the CHAdeMO plug can use the stations. To make sure all these vehicles can charge, the stations have been equipped with adapters for various connector types.
While these temporary chargers will serve as lifelines for EV owners, they come with limitations. The charging speed at these stations maxes out at 50 kilowatts, which is considered relatively slow for a Level 3 fast charger. Many permanent fast-charging stations offer much higher rates, allowing drivers to charge their batteries more quickly. However, given the urgency of the situation and the fact that some areas could experience power outages during or after the storm, 50 kW could be the difference between getting out of harm’s way and being stuck in a queue for charging.
U.S. Department of Energy also offers an “Alternative Fuel Station Locator
To assist evacuees, the FDEM has provided a live link that tracks the operational status of the new pop-up charging stations along evacuation routes. The U.S. Department of Energy also offers an “Alternative Fuel Station Locator,” a valuable tool for finding all available EV chargers, including the emergency units. Many EV drivers are also encouraged to use the PlugShare app, which provides real-time user feedback on whether a charging station is functioning. This crowdsourced information could be critical during a time when mass power outages are expected.
Florida’s move to support its growing EV population comes at a crucial time as Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall this evening. While gasoline shortages are making national headlines, the state’s forward-thinking deployment of temporary EV chargers could serve as a blueprint for future disaster preparedness efforts across the country. EV owners, like their gas-powered counterparts, now have an extra lifeline to safely evacuate as the storm draws near.
For those evacuating, keeping an eye on charging station availability is essential. The combination of government-provided tools and apps like PlugShare could make all the difference as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton’s impact.
