Amidst car manufacturers from around the world showcasing their newest models, OUC made a splash at this year’s Orlando International Auto Show by highlighting the latest in innovative electric vehicles and related technology.
At the November event, OUC team members championed the transition from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs for individual drivers, as well as companies with vehicle fleets.
As state leaders, Orlando with the 2023 highest EV adoption rate and Orange County with the most EVs per capita, an auto show in OUC’s backyard was the perfect setting for EV conversations.
OUC’s area at the Central Florida International Auto Show included EVs that are part of the OUC and the City of Orlando fleet.
The team’s goal was to educate drivers and fleet managers about EV benefits, such as cost-savings (reduced fuel and maintenance), better performance and fewer emissions that impact the environment. But they also stressed how easy it is to get around thanks to EV’s extended range and Central Florida’s and the state’s extensive and rapidly expanding charging infrastructure.
Among the vehicles on display were OUC’s fleet F-150 Lightning and a large Ford van from the City of Orlando, and the newest models from Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Chevrolet and VinFast. One of the most attention-grabbing EVs was a full-sized garbage truck, Suntek, which provided a full electric demonstration rig for lawn care including the vehicle and equipment.
The variety of EVs allowed attendees to kick the tires on compacts, sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, sports cars and pick-up trucks. Commercial use options included transport vans, box trucks and semi-trucks.
Day two of the conference was designated as “Fleet Day,” with OUC’s Pete Westlake, Manager of New Products and Solutions, presenting on the benefits of electric fleets. Healthcare, HVAC, plumbing, electrical installation and repair, laundry services and local governments representatives were in attendance.
Pete Westlake, OUC’s Manager of New Products and Solutions, speaks to local fleet managers about making the switch to electric vehicles.
OUC is actively working with area companies to convert their fleets and seeking additional interested companies. OUC’s EV experts can help businesses determine the appropriate EVs for their needs, model the costs involved in switching to and running an EV fleet, secure available funding and grants, set up charging stations for fleet vehicles (and upgrade on-site electrical infrastructure if necessary), and otherwise advise companies as they make the switch.
With its warm weather, flat landscape and relatively compact urban and suburban area, Orlando is a great place for beta testing, said Tom Lay, Senior Account Representative on OUC’s Large Customer Accounts team.
A main concern of potential EV drivers is “range anxiety,” a fear of running out of power while on the road. But this fear is easing as battery ranges improve, increasing the distance EVs can travel on a single charge to an average of 275 miles. Plus, charging infrastructure is growing fast, giving drivers more options.
Of the nearly 1,500 public charging stations in Orange and Osceola counties, there are more than 300 OUC stations. This includes two cutting-edge high-speed charging locations with the ability to charge EV batteries to 80% in 30 minutes.
Auto show attendees check out one of EVs displayed in OUC’s area.
The OUC ReCharge Mobility Hub at Robinson, located at 129 W. Robinson St. in downtown Orlando, offers 21 direct current fast-charging (DCFC) ports. The second location is near the Orange County Convention Center’s North Concourse, at 8500 Tradeshow Boulevard. It has six DCFC ports. These hubs are the first of a planned network of high-speed charging hubs.
EV charging infrastructure is seen as a key element as OUC works toward Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
