In August 2021, Orlando City Council passed an Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness code requiring new construction projects within city limits to meet current EV charging needs through installation of charging stations, as well as to prepare for future demand with "EV Capable" parking spaces. The intent of the EV Readiness policy was 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 accessible and inclusive manner. The code was in effect from January 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, when state policy took precedent over local ordinance. The city's EV Ready Guide remains a helpful resource to support developers in best practices for electric vehicle smart equipment installation and preparedness.
Why do EVs matter?
Emissions – Total life cycle emissions (including battery manufacturing) are substantially lower for EVs than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles - particularly during the useful life phase - as they produce zero tailpipe emissions and are quieter on the roads. The City of Orlando has adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 and increased adoption of electric vehicles will significantly advance progress toward that goal.
Public Health – As the city and other local agencies incorporate low- or no-emission vehicles into our fleets and transit systems, along with the growing adoption by consumers, Orlando’s entire community will benefit from improved air quality.
Economic Development – An electric vehicle in Florida costs less to charge up per “e-gallon” compared to the cost of fueling up with gallon of gas. With fewer moving parts, electric vehicles also incur lower maintenance costs. In fact, an electric vehicle cost–benefit analysis for Florida estimates that a scenario of high EV adoption would save Florida drivers $84.5 billion cumulatively by 2050 in vehicle operating costs. Finally, by relying on locally-generated electricity, EVs keep money in the local economy.
Workforce Development: Analyses have demonstrated that EV adoption can result in up to 25 new jobs in the local economy for every 1,000 EVs on the road. The transition to electric mobility also provides opportunities to add new high-quality jobs in the industry directly, from vehicle manufacturing and maintenance to EV charging installation. For every $1 billion spent on charging infrastructure, analysts estimate 10,000–15,000 jobs will be created.
Resilience and Emergency Preparedness: EVs also have the potential to play an important role in grid stabilization, such as by offloading stored energy back to a home or the grid during peak demand times. They can also provide emergency power during blackouts caused by weather or other disruptive events.
Download information about EV incentives(PDF, 1MB)