As Cities and Counties Race to Add EV Charging, Optimus is their Pit Crew

As America transitions to electric vehicles, the country’s charging infrastructure is rapidly growing. Though obstacles to adoption exist—from long-term investments in gas-powered fleets, to an often-slow permitting process —momentum remains high.

A mix of economic conditions and human behavior are combining to create an economically sustainable market for charging stations. Florida has been a positive outlier nationwide in that despite having no state incentives for EV chargers or vehicles, adoption has surged, leading a robust and sustainable market. Additionally, communities are planning long-term to meet local demand for EV chargers.

In Florida, EV adoption is surging.

In Florida, EV adoption is surging. A recently published study shows that Florida has the second highest number of electric vehicles in the country with 128,000 EVs on Florida’s roads, with Miami-Dade and Broward counties ranking among the  top-10 nationwide for EV adoption. 

Growth isn’t limited to large metro areas. Optimus Energy Solutions is helping cities and counties of all sizes meet the growing local demand for EV infrastructure.

In Winter Haven, for instance, demand for EV charging is booming. The increasing demand for an EV-friendly city is emblematic of smart decision-making about growth and strategic positioning to meet charging needs. OES specializes in partnerships with local governments to achieve their EV policy objectives.

Enhancing transportation infrastructure, meeting rising resident demands, and saving taxpayers money are key priorities for The Chain of Lakes City. Their proactive stance involves swiftly embracing innovation to achieve these goals effectively, ensuring a more efficient and responsive city.

In Winter Haven, Optimus Energy Solutions worked with policymakers to:

• Develop a plan to install charging stations in parking lots and new apartments

• Expedite permitting processes for charging station installation

• Create a cost structure that provides clear returns on taxpayer investment

Implementing EV charging networks necessitates local adjustments and meticulous planning. Optimus collaborates closely with county planners and developers to tailor solutions to unique community needs, such as:

• Strategic Placement: Curbside chargers near main street businesses attract higher spending, benefiting local economies.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Leveraging solar power to charge EV fleets not only saves taxpayers money but also promotes sustainability.

• User Convenience: Installing charging stations in convenient locations for renters, homeowners or travelers ensures accessibility and usability.

• Economic Sustainability: Utilizing electricity managed by local utilities creates a self-sustaining, virtuous cycle where charging stations cover their costs and produce a return for taxpayers.

In unincorporated East Orange County’s Avalon Park, Optimus worked closely with the Avalon Park Group to install ChargePoint Electric Vehicle charging stations in strategic locations. Our turn-key solutions helped meet resident demand for charging in Avalon Park’s Town Center, making available an amenity that serves residents and drives new traffic towards local businesses. 

Communities across Florida, especially those developed long ago with limited space for growth, face challenges in adopting EV infrastructure due to property constraints and aging systems. Optimus’ focused expertise in this arena helps local leaders design scalable infrastructure installations.

For the City of Winter Park, installing electric vehicle infrastructure for the municipal electric fleet, police department, and the public is an important goal for city leaders and taxpayers alike. The initiative aligns with taxpayers' desire for affordable access to clean energy systems and Optimus’ experience working with local governments. 

In Winter Park, OES is working with city administrators to:

• Electrify municipal fleet infrastructure 

• Install ChargePoint EV charging infrastructure 

• Tap into cost-efficiency by powering fleets with city-owned utility electricity, maximizing taxpayer returns

While hurdles like permitting processes and infrastructure connectivity challenges persist, the public's increasing demand for charging options presents an opportunity for communities to excel. Optimus is uniquely poised to assist municipalities in meeting this demand, competing effectively on pricing, service, and amenities that align with the expectations of administrators and the public alike.