Florida Takes Flight: Electric Vehicles Soar to New Heights

Florida is gearing up to become a testing ground for flying electric vehicles. By the end of this year, the state plans to launch a program called Advanced Aerial Mobility, which will focus on battery-powered vehicles that take off and land vertically. These vehicles, known as eVTOLs, will be tested and deployed in Florida, with the goal of making intercity travel faster and more efficient.

The program will be funded with almost $200 million in federal funds originally intended for electric vehicle charging stations. The state has already certified that its electric vehicle charger system is fully built out, allowing the federal money to be used for another transportation purpose.

The first phase of the program will focus on the congested I-4 corridor, which links Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach. The state plans to build 32 vertical landing and takeoff pads for the flying vehicles, with the goal of making intercity travel faster and more efficient. Florida is one of eight states chosen for flying vehicle pilot programs under an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The state's Transportation Secretary, Jared Perdue, says that Florida is truly in the age of flying cars. With the program, the state wants to think creatively and know where the future is going. The program will also focus on existing airports, including those in Miami, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Orlando, among others.