EVwire brief: Florida is proposing to use nearly $197 million in federal funding originally allocated for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help build an "Aerial Highway Network" for electric air taxis instead, a notable shift in how the state plans to invest its remaining National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds.
According to documents obtained by the Miami Herald, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) wants to use the funding to help construct 32 facilities where electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could charge, take off, and land. The proposed locations include airports, luxury apartment developments, golf courses, military installations, and other sites.
Florida’s proposed aerial network for eVTOL aircraft.
The proposal follows FDOT's conclusion that Florida's interstate EV charging network is sufficiently developed through private investment. Under updated federal guidance, states that have completed their designated highway charging corridors may request permission to use remaining NEVI funds for other publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure. FDOT said it expects federal approval for the proposal.
The plan has drawn criticism from some EV charging advocates, who argue the funding should instead be used to expand charging access for apartment residents and other drivers without home charging.
"Money is being hijacked from what would have benefited a large population to go to the oligarch, ultra-wealthy for these emergent technologies,"
Tina Carton, Chargepoint’s Grant and Utility Funding Manager, also shared her skepticism of the plan in a post on LinkedIn, stating that it’s difficult not to shake her head at the state’s idea. She also highlighted that electric vehicles are expanding their reach in Florida.
Ryan McKinnon of the Charge Ahead Partnership, a coalition that includes Buc-ee's and Wawa, said the money was meant for gas stations, small businesses and convenience stores, and argued it should back "entrepreneurs who are building businesses that serve all Floridians, not just those who can afford to ride in futuristic aircraft."
The FDOT, however, defended its idea:
“The Florida Department of Transportation will not waste taxpayer dollars and spend it on everyday passenger vehicles. Instead, FDOT’s proposal for implementing the NEVI Program takes an innovative and strategic approach to offer the greatest benefits to Floridians by supporting a new emerging mode of transportation that provides passenger service and fulfills the transportation needs in our state.”
To be fair, Florida already built the first US aerial testing site at its SunTrax proving ground and selected eVTOL makers Archer, BETA, Electra and Joby to take part, after a June executive order from President Trump directed the FAA to launch a flying-car pilot program with eight state transportation agencies. Florida was among them.
Joby Aviation’s air taxi in flight. (Source)
Context:
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states build reliable fast-charging corridors along major highways. The program initially focused on eliminating gaps in interstate charging before allowing states to expand funding into broader public charging projects. Florida's proposal reflects a different interpretation of that flexibility.
Companies participating in Florida's broader advanced air mobility initiatives include Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, BETA Technologies, and Electra, though commercial passenger air taxi services have yet to begin operating at scale.
Here’s the FDOT’s plan, c/o the Miami Herald.
Source: Miami Herald, TechCrunch, Tina Carton on LinkedIn
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