Keeping electric vehicle charging services strong during hurricane season is key in Florida

In a state like Florida, which is prone to hurricanes and other extreme weather events, electric vehicles – and the public charging services that power and sustain them – are becoming increasingly important.

A new study from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning, which was published mid-hurricane season in the Journal of Management in Engineering, highlights the urgent need to bolster the resilience of these services.

During emergencies marked by high winds and flooding, the interconnected challenges of supply and demand become more pronounced. Electric vehicle charging services face significant challenges at these times due to infrastructure damages and restricted access. The ability of the services to withstand disruptions depends on the physical and socioeconomic characteristics of the area and how the charging stations are networked within communities. UF researchers are looking for innovative ways to combat these issues.