by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:05 PM ET, Thu December 14, 2023
Cruisers will soon be able to recharge their electric vehicles at six new fast-charging stations at Port Canaveral.
The port, situated about 50 miles east of downtown Orlando, plans to install six FPL EVolution Level 3 fast-charging stations in its Cove District parking lot. The charging stations, including one that’s wheelchair accessible, should be up and running within the next year, according to the port.
The fast-charging stations can be up to 15 times faster than Level 2 charging stations, which are more common, per the port.
“For a few years, we've noticed growing interest from port visitors who operate electric vehicles,” says Bob Musser, Port Canaveral’s senior environmental director. “These stations will offer the option to top off the charge before hitting the road after enjoying our port.”
The project, which was approved by the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners earlier this month, is a collaboration with Florida Power & Light Company. It aligns with the port’s “commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining its status as one of the world’s busiest cruise ports experiencing continuous growth,” according to a statement.
A record number of cruise passengers—6.8 million—passed through Port Canaveral during fiscal year 2023, which ran from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 31, 2023. During that period, the port also received 906 ship calls and served as the homeport for 13 vessels. Port Canaveral also brought in a record-breaking $158 million in revenue from cruise operations.
All told, the port contributed $6.1 billion to Florida’s economy and generated $189.5 million in state and local tax revenue.
"This port is an economic powerhouse in the state of Florida,” said Capt. John Murray, the port’s chief executive officer, during his annual “State of the Port” address in early November.
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