KCMO secures $11.8M to expand city’s EV charging infrastructure, targeting underinvested neighborhoods
January 14, 2025 | Startland News Staff
A freshly charged tranche of funding is expected to help power Kansas City’s efforts to install 256 new electric vehicle charging points across urban and suburban areas of the city, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Tuesday.
Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during LaunchKC’s finalist reveal party at J. Rieger & Co. in November 2024; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“This project will help cement Kansas City’s commitment to sustainable transportation and access to electric vehicle resources,” Lucas said. “A key focus of the initiative is expanding infrastructure in underserved and middle-income neighborhoods, as well as areas with apartments.”
$11.8 million for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.
“Our grant award will help ensure that the benefits of electric vehicle investments spurred by the Biden administration are accessible to all of our residents,” Lucas added.
The funding will be used to install electric vehicle charging ports at 57 public sites owned or operated by the City. The project includes 114 chargers, expected to generate approximately 1.8 million charging hours annually.
The charging ports will spread across Kansas City, said Brian Platt, city manager, creating a comprehensive network that connects the metropolitan region. The city aims to support the growing demand for electric vehicles while promoting environmental stewardship, he added.
“This investment drives Kansas City closer to a cleaner, greener future while meeting the needs of our community right now,” Platt said. “By expanding access to electric vehicle charging citywide, we’re making sure every neighborhood benefits as we embrace innovation and prioritize sustainability. This is a big win for our residents and for Kansas City’s future.”
When complete, Kansas City will have more than 100 new charging stations that will be accessible without restrictions, with 50 percent located in historically underinvested communities, the city said in a press release.
Two Teslas charge at an Evergy electric vehicle charging station near 19th and Main streets in Kansas City; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Highlights of the project, noted by the city, include:
- Four DC fast chargers across two sites: DC fast chargers, which are currently the fastest charging options available, will be strategically placed in high-demand areas with short dwell times.
- 100 level 2 chargers across 50 sites: This will address the lack of at-home charging options.
- 10 battery + solar chargers across five sites: These portable units provide flexibility to meet temporary or emergency demands, such as special events or power outages.
- 57 charging sites equipped with a minimum of two stations each: Spanning community centers, parks, park-and-ride lots, key community sites, and entertainment districts, the project will provide up to 256 public charging points.
- Workforce development: The project will create an estimated 1,300 green jobs, partnering with local workforce development agencies and the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO to provide training and support services.
- Community outreach and education: Providing information about EV affordability, reducing range anxiety, and supporting charger placement decisions.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
‘Younger eyes’ at Street Wearhouse see opportunity to win through the screen as digital personality meets quality printing
The owners of a recently-opened print studio hope to make an imprint on the industry by taking a different approach to garment design and production, they said. Street Wearhouse, co-founded by Alex Trinkle and Tyler Love, specializes in printing and embroidering T-shirts, hats, and other apparel from its North Kansas City production facility. Trinkle, who…
One of KC’s hottest smashburgers is at this all-natural wine bar; how Big Mood uncorked its potential with popup food, live music
Kansas City’s first all natural wine shop has evolved into more than simply a place to buy wine, said Richard Garcia; Big Mood Natural Wines now is the go-to spot for food, drinks, live entertainment and community. “Big Mood has morphed organically over the past few years into what it is now. When we first…
MVP in his field: Royals groundskeeper earns his own bobblehead for keeping The K green amid ups and downs
For the club’s first-ever Ag Night, the Kansas City Royals are celebrating — and bestowing the honor of a bobblehead — on their very own farmer. That’s what Trevor Vance — who has been keeping the field at Kauffman Stadium perfectly manicured for nearly 40 years — considers himself and other groundskeepers, he shared. “We’re…
Right to Start plans GOP debate on entrepreneurship; If America is going to be saved, Heartland innovators will be key, says leader
A nonprofit founded by a former Kauffman Foundation executive is planning a first-of-its-kind forum on entrepreneurship with four Republican presidential candidates this Friday in the Midwest. Right to Start is a nonpartisan organization that champions entrepreneurship as a civic priority through grassroots organizing and policy advocacy, with the goal of expanding entrepreneurial opportunity. Friday’s forum…