KCMO secures $11.8M to expand city’s EV charging infrastructure, targeting underinvested neighborhoods  

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.