Florida
Florida DOT Proposes Shifting Federal EV Charging Funds to ‘Aerial Highway’ Project
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Key points
- FDOT proposes using $197 million in federal infrastructure grants to develop landing facilities for electric air taxis instead of highway EV chargers.
- The state plan outlines 32 proposed landing pads statewide, costing an estimated $5.6 million each.
- Critics argue the move violates federal grant intent, while FDOT maintains new transportation modes are needed to alleviate long-term ground traffic congestion.
NewsWK — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is facing public debate over a proposal to redirect federal infrastructure funds originally intended for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations toward the development of an experimental “Aerial Highway Network” for short-range air taxis.
State Looks Beyond Traditional Highway Charging
According to internal agency documents initially obtained through a public records request by the Miami Herald and detailed in a report by Florida Phoenix, state transportation officials have drawn up plans to utilize part of $197 million in federal grant money for futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft infrastructure.
The federal funds were originally allocated to Florida under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically to expand fast-charging stations along major interstates, helping reduce range anxiety for drivers. Under the original program, private businesses such as travel centers and convenience stores would receive up to 80% reimbursement to install public chargers.
However, FDOT’s newly disclosed nine-page strategy outlines a vision to establish 32 landing and charging pads across the state, with an estimated cost of $5.6 million per facility. Initial testing is designated for the state’s SunTrax facility in Auburndale.
In its planning document, FDOT defended the strategic shift by pointing to long-term traffic capacity challenges on ground corridors. “The Florida Department of Transportation will not waste taxpayer dollars and spend it on everyday passenger vehicles,” the agency stated in its report, emphasizing the need to explore alternative transportation modes as highway corridors reach capacity.
Reactions and Legal Questions
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from energy groups and transportation experts who question both the legal authority to redirect federal funds and the current feasibility of air taxi technology.
“It’s a complete misappropriation of these funds,” stated Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, arguing that the money was designated strictly for expanding standard vehicle charging capacity.
For motorists across Northwest Florida and the Panhandle—where regional travel relies heavily on corridors like Interstate 10—charging infrastructure availability remains a practical consideration. Although Florida leads Southeastern states with roughly 500,000 registered electric vehicles, the state still lags behind the national average in public chargers per vehicle.
Transportation experts also note significant technical and regulatory hurdles for air taxis, including current Federal Aviation Administration restrictions on flights over populated areas and strict battery endurance limitations, making widespread commercial use unlikely in the immediate future.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Craig Pittman originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
