As part of a partnership with FIU, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) donates an electric vehicle to the College of Engineering & Computing. Electrical and computer engineering students in the Energy Power & Sustainability (EPS) Lab will use the electric car to further research and test wireless charging technology.

FPL was an early adopter of electric vehicles. Its commitment to “greening” its fleet began in 2006 when it became the first utility to put a plug-in hybrid bucket truck into commercial operation. Today, the company operates 74 of these trucks and more than 550 plug-in or hybrid-electric vehicles. FPL also works actively to engage and educate customers, community leaders and other stakeholders on the benefits of electric vehicles.

As part of its commitment to help advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in Florida and as an extension of its long-standing partnership with FIU, FPL’s donation of the electric vehicle will help with important research to ensure the continued adoption of electric vehicles in Florida. 

by James Hellegaard