Electric Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Vehicles

How will driving an electric vehicle affect my electric bill?

Charging costs vary depending on driving style, habits, temperature, and the efficiency rating of your vehicle, among other factors. However, the cost of driving an EV is just pennies per mile compared to gasoline, and FPL’s standard electric service rate is below the national average.

What is EV range?

An electric vehicle range refers to the driving range a vehicle can operate using only power from its electric battery. Currently, there are numerous electric vehicle models in the market and the average battery range for new models can exceed 200 miles. 

What should I know before purchasing an electric vehicle?

If you are considering purchasing an electric vehicle there are some factors to consider for choosing the best vehicle for you.

  • Choosing the vehicle that fits your total range of travel is very important, electric vehicles vary in range anywhere from 150 to 350 miles per full charge.  
  • Know where you can charge your vehicle. It’s important to understand your daily commute and the places where you will be able to charge along the way.
  • Are you able to charge your vehicle at your place of residence? Most EVs can charge on a standard 120-volt outlet.
  • The FPL EVolution® Home program gives EV drivers an opportunity to have a level 2 charger installed in their home. Learn more at FPL.com/EVHome.
  • If you live in a multi-unit dwelling (e.g. apartment, townhome, condo, etc.), it’s important to understand the charging capabilities of the building. If your place of residence does not offer EV charging, you can find public charging stations near your area through the FPL EVolution app.

 

How far can I travel per charge in my EV?

Electric vehicle range varies depending on the size of the battery, the type and weight of the car, road, and weather conditions, driving style, and ancillary usage, such as running the air conditioning or charging your cell phone. Please refer to your vehicle manual to determine how much range you have.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

  • Your electric vehicle manufacturer can answer specific questions you may have about their vehicles.
  • Please contact us at 833-919-0939.

FPL EVolution

Do I need to download an app to use the FPL EVolution charger?

Level 2 charger

  • To charge at any EVolution station, you will need to download the FPL EVolution app.
  • You can download the app by searching for FPL EVolution on your app store. The app is available on both Android and Apple iOS devices.

Fast charger

  • To charge at any EVolution station, you will need to download the FPL EVolution app. You can download the app by searching for FPL EVolution on your app store. The app is available on both Android and Apple iOS devices.
  • Once you have downloaded the app, create your account, locate the charging station you would like to use. Tap “Details”, then “Start Charge”, which will prompt your device to access the camera. Next, you can scan the QR code on the charger.
  • Select the connector that is right for your vehicle, plug in and start charging.

Who pays to install FPL EVolution charging stations?

FPL pays for the installation and maintenance of the stations.

Where can I find an FPL EVolution charger?

Visit our map online or download the FPL EVolution app to find a charger near you.

Can I get an FPL EVolution charger installed at my home?

  • Yes, FPL EVolution Home is a new residential program that gives drivers an opportunity to stay fully charged and ready to go with a level 2 charger installed at home.
  • For one low, flat monthly cost with no upfront fees, you benefit from the installation and maintenance of a level 2 charger, including the cost of the equipment, plus unlimited off-peak charging. Learn more about the program at FPL.com/evhome.

Fast Chargers

What is Fast Charging?

A DC Fast Charger provides power directly to the battery at a faster speed than AC or Level 2 chargers. DC Fast Chargers are ideal for when an EV needs to charge quickly during a quick stop on road trips or if you’re pressed for time. 

How do I use a Fast Charger?

Level 2 charger

  • To charge at any EVolution station, you will need to download the FPL EVolution app.
  • You can download the app by searching for FPL EVolution on your app store. The app is available on both Android and Apple iOS devices.
  • Once you have downloaded the app, create your account. To use the station, you will need to authenticate your charging session by tapping your phone on the reader located at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select the connector that is right for your vehicle, plug-in and start charging.
  • Make sure you allow push notifications so that the app can alert you once your charge is complete. You can also see the charge status on the screen of the charging station.

Fast charger

  • In order to charge at any EVolution station, you will need to download the FPL EVolution app. You can download the app by searching for FPL EVolution on your app store. The app is available on both Android and Apple iOS devices.
  • Once you have downloaded the app, create your account, locate the charging station you would like to use. Tap “Details”, then “Start Charge”, which will prompt your device to access the camera. Next, you can scan the QR code on the charger
  • Select the connector that is right for your vehicle, plug in and start charging.

How long does it take to charge an EV with a fast charger?

It depends on the type and model of the vehicle, but on average it takes about 30 minutes to charge an 80-mile battery vehicle.

Where do I find pricing information and how do I pay for fast charging?

  • You can find pricing information on the app by location or at the station by using the charger’s station touch screen.
  • It’s proper etiquette to monitor your vehicle’s charge and move your vehicle once fully charged. That said, FPL EVolution chargers allow for a grace period of 30 minutes, after the grace period is over, it will incur an idle fee for every minute the vehicle remains plugged into the charger.

EV Tariffs

Who is eligible for the pilot tariffs?

  • The tariff sheets will apply to both new and existing charging stations; including, but not limited to, those owned by competitive marketers, private businesses, and governments.
  • The tariffs support more EV charging infrastructure and promote EV adoption throughout Florida.

How do these pilot tariffs help address higher demand charges associated with fast-chargers?

FPL’s pilot tariffs limit the amount of demand charges, helping host locations with low utilization of their EV chargers balance the cost of electricity and energy received.

Do I have to enroll in the tariff for the entire five-year pilot period?

  • No. Qualifying customers may elect to enroll in the applicable GSD-1EV or GSLD-1EV tariff at any time during the 5-year pilot period. To optimize the evaluation of FPL’s proposed pilot rates, FPL is requesting customers remain enrolled in the tariff for a minimum of one year.
  • Customers that no longer want to participate may submit a request to opt-out of the program, provided they include justification for terminating their enrollment before the one year. These justification(s) will be referenced as part of the pilot’s learnings.

What happens after the five-year pilot period is over?

During the five-year pilot period, FPL will gather and evaluate the learnings gained from the research and will use it to inform the design of any proposed future EV rates. This may include extension of the existing pilot tariffs, converting the pilot tariffs to a permanent offering, allowing the pilot tariffs to expire, or replacing the tariffs with a different option.

How was the 75-hour methodology determined?

  • The proposed tariffs cap the demand billed to Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) customers at energy sales divided by 75 hours. This 75-hour denominator was chosen to target an effective volumetric rate on demand and energy charges (excluding customer charge, taxes, and franchise fees) of approximately 20 cents per kWh, based on current rates.i Charging stations with a load factor less than ~10% (75 hours / 730 hours in a month = 10.27%) will benefit from this ~20-cent cap. Those with a load factor greater than ~10% will pay standard GSD-1/GSLD-1 commercial rates, which will equate to less than the ~20-cent cap.
  • FPL selected 75 hours for this rate design to balance two competing priorities: provide rate relief that will facilitate and encourage the development of EV fast charging infrastructure and minimize the potential for the proposed tariffs to shift costs to other customers. The proposed EV tariffs are designed to move DCFC customers back to established commercial rates as station utilization improves and the economic incentive is no longer as necessary. The 75-hour limiting factor sets this point at a load factor of ~10% which has been demonstrated to be achievable by some existing DCFC customers.

EVolution Home Frequently Asked Questions

Why is FPL introducing a residential charging program?

  • As auto manufacturers continue to announce plans for manufacturing more electric vehicles, EVs will inevitably make up a significant number of cars on the road in the coming years. 
  • We’re making it easier and more convenient for everyone to drive electric with the FPL EVolution network that includes charging stations along Florida’s busiest highways, in metro areas and workplaces, and soon, at home. 
  • You can learn more about the EVolution network at FPL.com/EV

What does the residential subscription include?

  • For one low, flat monthly cost, customers would benefit from the installation of a Level 2 charger, including the cost of the equipment, plus unlimited off-peak charging. 
  • We will permit, install, operate, and maintain EV charging equipment for one electric vehicle. Customers can choose between two charging equipment options and will have two options for installation.
    • For full installation, we will install the charger including all electric work and permitting of a 240-volt circuit, for a hassle-free turnkey process. The program requires the circuit be installed within 10 feet of the electrical panel.
    • For an equipment-only installation, we will provide the charging equipment, charger set up and hardwiring, but the customer is responsible for the electrical work and permitting associated with the addition of a 240-volt circuit.
    • If a customer already has a previously installed 240-volt circuit, then the equipment-only installation be elected by the customer.   

Which charging equipment will be provided with the subscription?

We will install up to a 40 amp, 9.6 kW level 2 wall-mounted charger, which can charge most EVs up to 12 times faster than a level 1 charger. The chargers will be Wi-Fi enabled and suited for the needs of the customer. The chargers will also be ENERGY STAR® certified and UL Listed.

What if I already have a charger?

If you have the required 240-volt circuit, you may choose the equipment-only installation and we will provide the charging equipment, charger set up and hardwiring. If you do not have the required circuit, you would need to either have it installed or we may install it as part of a full installation.

What is a level 2 charger?

There are two common household levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging – Level 1 and 2.

  • Level-1: Can provide 4 to 6 miles for every hour of charging. EVs come with a standard Level-1 charger that plugs into a typical household outlet (120-volt).
  • Level-2: Can provide 25 to 40 miles for every hour of charging – charging your EV in 4-7 hours and requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit (like an electric clothes dryer).

What is included in the charger installation?

Customers will be able to choose from two different Level 2 EV chargers.

  • For full installation, we will install the charger including all electric work and permitting of a 240-volt circuit, for a hassle-free turnkey process. The program requires the circuit be installed within 10 feet of the electrical panel.
  • For equipment-only installation, we will provide the charging equipment, charger mounting and hardwiring, but the customer is responsible for the electrical work and permitting associated with the addition of a 240-volt, 50-amp circuit.
  • If a customer already has a previously installed 240-volt circuit, then the equipment-only installation may be elected by the customer.   

What is considered off-peak hours?

  • Throughout the day, energy demands fluctuate. During “peak” demand periods – such as summer afternoons when air-conditioning usage is high, for example – the cost of generating energy is more expensive. There are also daily “off-peak” periods when electricity usage is lower, making the cost of producing energy less expensive.
  • From November through March, off-peak hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 pm to 6:00 am and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; all weekends; and the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 
  • From April through October, off-peak hours are 9:00 pm to noon; all weekends; and the holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. 

Can customers charge during on-peak hours?

Customers can charge during on-peak hours but will be billed at a rate of 23.71¢ /kWh in addition to the monthly service payment. 

Does a customer have to physically plug in their EV during off-peak hours?

The charger will be pre-programmed to automatically charge during off-peak hours, allowing customers to “plug-in and forget it” and benefit from an affordable flat monthly rate. 

How will customers program and schedule the charging equipment?

  • Customers will need to download the FPL EVolution app, which has been enhanced to include features for residential charging. The app will display charging status and historic charging session data and allow customers to program their equipment to charge during off-peak hours.
  • The app also lists all publicly available chargers on the FPL EVolution network throughout Florida, including a network of fast chargers along major highways and corridors.  

Will customers who are part of FPL EVolution Home pay less, on average, for power during off-peak hours?

When calculating total monthly energy consumed and taking into account typical driving patterns, customers enrolled in FPL EVolution Home and using the provided FPL EVolution charging equipment will receive an average lower rate than customers not enrolled in the program, due to the decreased rate used for off-peak hours.

Who is eligible to participate in the residential charging subscription?

Eligible participants must:

1.     Own a single-family home or townhouse with attached garage.
2.     Have a strong W-Fi signal in the charging location.
3.     Not be enrolled in a Time of Use (TOU) rate.
4.     Have an active residential account in good standing with no past due bills or payment extensions.

Additional reasons customers may not qualify for the program include:

5.     Have a pending connect or disconnect order.
6.     Account belongs to a business or is tax-exempt.
7.     Residence does not use a smart meter.
8.     Account is dedicated to a source other than the primary residence, like a lighting system or well. 

How long is the subscription term?

Consistent with the charging equipment’s expected useful life, the program term is 10 years.

Why am I bound to such a long-term commitment? What if the charging technology changes significantly?

  • The program is designed to correlate with the expected life of the charging equipment.
  • The charging equipment can be used on your current or new EV and chargers can be updated remotely for service updates and feature enhancements.

What happens to the charging equipment at the end of the subscription term?

At the end of the program term, ownership of the Level 2 charging equipment transfers to the program participant at no cost.

Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the charging equipment?

As FPL owns the charging equipment during the subscription, the company is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing the Level 2 charger throughout the term.

Can a customer terminate the subscription before the end of the term?

  • Customers will be able to terminate the subscription before the end of the term but will be subject to an early termination fee, a minimum of $768.48, to cover the costs of uninstalling and removing the equipment, and redeployment costs.
  • After five years of participation, you can also choose to purchase the equipment at a cost equivalent to the remaining net book value.
  • Written notice is required at least thirty (30) days prior to termination.

What if I get a new vehicle during the ten-year term?

Customer vehicles are not linked to the charging equipment, so purchasing or leasing a new EV during the subscription term would not affect the customer’s participation in the program.

What happens if I move residences during the subscription term?

The FPL EVolution Home charging program is specific to the customer’s residence upon enrollment. If you move, you will need to terminate the agreement and re-enroll at your new residence. Because the equipment would require removal, early termination fees would apply. 

Can multiple EVs use the charging equipment?

At this time, we are limiting usage of the charger to a single EV. As a future option, the company is exploring a provision for customers with multiple EVs. 

Can I apply for the federal tax credit for the EV charger?

No. Because FPL installs, owns and maintains the EV charging equipment in your home, you would not be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit

How long does the installation process take after I finalize my enrollment?

On average, charger installs are estimated to be completed in:

  • Two to three months for full installations
  • One to two months for equipment-only installations

Installation timing is dependent on a number of factors including your prompt completion of your home electrical survey and permit issuance times by your local building department for full installations.

Do the chargers support Tesla vehicles?

  • The home chargers that will be installed will have the standard J1772 connector.
  • If you’re a Tesla vehicle owner, you can use the FPL home charger but will need to have your own J1772 charging adapter. This adapter is typically provided by Tesla when you purchase a Tesla vehicle.

How will the program charges be shown on my bill once I’m enrolled in EVolution Home?

  • The charges will appear as three line items on your bill, including a program charge, on-peak and off-peak rate charge. See how your bill will appear.
  • On-peak rate charges will apply if charging outside of the off-peak periods.

Do I need the FPL EVolution app immediately?

  • Yes. The FPL EVolution app will be needed to activate your charger so you can stay connected to your charger 24/7.
  • Your charger will be automatically programmed to charge during off-peak hours. You can use the app to override off-peak charging should you want to charge during on-peak hours, monitor and review your charging history, and more.
  • The FPL EVolution app is available for iOS and Android devices.

What happens if my charger loses Wi-Fi connectivity?

To avoid potential billing impacts, your EV charger must be reconnected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. If you need help connecting, we have some simple instructions for restoring a lost Wi-Fi connection.

Who can I contact if I’m having issues with my charger?

Please use the FPL EVolution app to access self-help troubleshooting options or call us at 833-919-0939.

Are customers who are not enrolled in FPL EVolution Home paying for the program?

No. FPL EVolution Home was approved by the Florida Public Service Commission in 2021. The monthly program charge is designed so that only customers enrolled in FPL EVolution Home are paying for the program costs, including charging equipment, installation, technology, customer acquisition, operations and maintenance, and general and administrative.

As included in Florida Power & Light Company’s Petition for Approval of Optional Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot Tariffs, page 15, footnote 26: “Based on GSD-1 rates effective June 2020, the cost of demand per kWh equates to [($9.98/kW base demand +$1.22/kW capacity and conservation) × (energy / 75 hours)] / energy = $0.15 / kWh. Added to $0.0222 /kWh base energy and $0.024 fuel and environmental = $0.20 energy and demand per kWh. Based on GSLD-1 rates, the cost of demand per kWh equates to [($12.19/kW base demand + $1.38/kW capacity and conservation) × (energy / 75 hours)] / energy = $0.18 / kWh. Added to $0.0175 /kWh base energy and $0.024 fuel and environmental = $0.22 energy and demand per kWh.”