Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), represents a historic federal initiative aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the United States. In Kansas, the NEVI Program is administered through the Charge Up Kansas initiative, led by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). Over the five-year duration of the program, Kansas is set to receive nearly $40 million in federal funding. The Charge Up Kansas NEVI Plan outlines how the state intends to deploy these funds to build a comprehensive network of EV charging stations, primarily along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) such as I-70, I-35, I-335, U.S. 400, and U.S. 81. Initially, NEVI funding must be used to support the development of public DC fast-charging stations located on these federally designated corridors. Once the corridors are certified as “fully built out” by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), funds can be redirected to secondary corridor and community charging stations throughout the state. Allowable costs include development and construction, utilities, charging infrastructure, operating assistance, traffic control devices, signage, and related mapping and analysis activities. Projects must meet minimum federal standards, including accessibility and equipment specifications, and adhere to state-defined security and cybersecurity protocols. The program requires an 80/20 cost-share structure, with 80% of each project covered by NEVI funds and a mandatory 20% local cash match. Eligible applicants include city and county governments, Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, utilities, and consortia composed of any of these groups. Awards are issued through a competitive process beginning with a Request for Interest (RFI), followed by a formal Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP outlines site-specific requirements, application instructions, and evaluation criteria, which include considerations such as safety, location viability, and inclusion of amenities like lighting and restrooms. The application and deployment process is staged over multiple rounds. To date, Kansas has awarded approximately $11.5 million through the first two rounds of funding. Round 1 awarded $4.6 million for six charging sites; Round 2 awarded $6.8 million for nine new sites. Round 3, currently in planning, is estimated to allocate over $10.4 million for 11 new stations and upgrades to four Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) service area stations. If successfully awarded and constructed, these installations will complete the state’s AFC charging network, making it eligible for expanded off-corridor funding. While application windows for future rounds have not yet been announced, the program is designed to recur annually. The next cycle is anticipated to open in Fall 2026, with KDOT continuing to refine criteria based on community feedback and utility coordination. All awardees will be required to own, operate, and maintain the charging infrastructure and must submit cybersecurity plans before contract execution. For further information, applicants can refer to the official Charge Up Kansas NEVI Plan 2026 PDF or contact the Charge Up Kansas team via email or by calling 785-296-3566.

Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with utilities early, include contingency costs, and prepare accurate site plans.