Electric Trucks in Florida: Charging Infrastructure Update (2025)

Introduction

More than 500 electric trucks are now operating in Florida, signaling that the shift to zero-emission freight is well underway. Influenced by California’s mandates and supported by growing incentives, fleets across the Sunshine State are testing electric semi trucks for local and regional operations. But limited charging infrastructure still causes range anxiety, especially for long-haul carriers.

This post provides a comprehensive update on electric truck charging in Florida, covering current station locations, charging costs, route planning considerations, and what to expect in the next two years. Florida 595 Truck Stop is closely monitoring these developments to ensure our facilities meet the needs of tomorrow’s commercial EV fleets.

Advances in battery technology, falling costs, and government support are accelerating adoption, but infrastructure readiness will determine how quickly electric freight becomes mainstream.

Current Electric Truck Landscape

Vehicles in Operation

• Tesla Semi: ~500-mile range
• Freightliner eCascadia: ~230 miles
• Volvo VNR Electric: ~275 miles
• Peterbilt 579EV: ~150 miles
• Nikola Tre: ~350 miles
• International eMV: ~135 miles

Florida Fleet Adoption

Early adopters include port drayage operators in Miami and Jacksonville, beverage distributors serving urban markets, waste management companies, and municipal fleets upgrading to electric vehicles.

Performance Reality

Real-world performance in Florida varies with heat, highway speeds, heavy loads, and frequent A/C use. The flat terrain helps efficiency, but energy draw from climate control can reduce range on long summer hauls.

Charging Infrastructure Map

Current Locations

• I-95 Corridor: 3 public charging stations
• I-75 Corridor: 2 stations
• Florida Turnpike: 1 pilot site
• Port areas: 5 depot-only chargers
• Distribution centers: Private fleet networks expanding

Charging Specifications

Available systems range from Level 2 (19.2 kW for overnight depot charging) to DC Fast (150-350 kW) at highway locations. Megawatt charging is scheduled to arrive in 2026. Charge times span from one to eight hours depending on battery size and power output. Connectors include CCS and CHAdeMO, with Tesla developing its own high-capacity hardware.

Access and Networks

Major networks include Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, Tesla Superchargers, and Pilot/Flying J partnerships. Private depot charging remains the most reliable for commercial fleets.

Cost Analysis

Charging Costs

Public charging in Florida averages $0.30–$0.50 per kWh or $0.16–$0.32 per minute. Membership plans can reduce costs by 20–30%, though peak pricing can add 25% or more. Demand charges for high-power stations affect both fleet budgets and infrastructure developers.

TCO Comparison

Operating costs for electric trucks run about $0.40–$0.60 per mile, compared to $0.70–$0.90 per mile for diesel. Maintenance savings of up to 40% and incentives of $40k–$120k per truck help achieve a payback period in as little as three to five years.

Hidden Costs

• Charging downtime impacting productivity
• Route limitations outside charging corridors
• Driver training for EV operation
• Infrastructure and electrical upgrade expenses

Range and Route Planning

Practical Ranges

Electric trucks work best for local delivery, urban routes, and port drayage. Regional hauls are possible with careful planning, but long-haul trips remain challenging until fast-charging corridors expand.

Charging Strategy

• Use depot charging as a primary source
• Leverage opportunity charging during loading
• Plan routes around high-power stations
• Adjust loads to maintain range
• Account for weather impacts

Future Developments

Infrastructure Expansion

Between 2025 and 2027, Florida expects 50+ new charging sites, including I-4 corridor coverage, rest area installations, and truck stop partnerships. Utilities are planning grid upgrades to handle high-power charging.

Technology Advances

Coming innovations include megawatt charging, battery swapping pilots, wireless charging, vehicle-to-grid integration, and solar-assisted sites.

Florida 595 EV Plans

Florida 595 Truck Stop is evaluating EV charger installation for 2026, planning electrical capacity upgrades, and exploring partnerships to integrate driver amenities with future charging infrastructure.

Challenges and Solutions

Barriers such as limited range, charging time, and infrastructure gaps are real, but battery improvements, faster charging, new route-planning apps, and strong incentives are helping fleets overcome these challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I charge electric trucks in Florida?

Public charging stations are available on I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike, along with private depot chargers at ports and distribution centers.

2. How long does truck charging take?

Anywhere from one to eight hours, depending on charger type and battery size.

3. What's the range of electric semi trucks?

Current models range between 135 and 500 miles per charge.

4. How much does electric truck charging cost?

Expect $0.30–$0.50 per kWh or discounted rates with memberships.

5. Are electric trucks suitable for long-haul?

Not yet — they are best for regional and local operations until more fast-charging sites open.

6. What incentives exist for electric trucks?

Fleets can qualify for $40k–$120k in purchase incentives and utility rebates.

7. When will more charging stations open?

50+ sites are planned between 2025 and 2027, including major highway corridors.

8. Is Florida 595 getting EV charging?

Yes, the truck stop is evaluating installation for 2026 as part of a broader future-readiness plan.

Conclusion

Florida’s electric truck landscape is evolving fast, but today’s charging infrastructure still lags behind demand. With major expansion plans, improving technology, and clear economic benefits, the future is bright for zero-emission freight.

Florida 595 Truck Stop is preparing for this transition and committed to supporting fleets as they electrify. Stay informed, plan ahead, and partner with facilities that are future-ready.