Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, is administering federal funds to support the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Kansas. This effort, branded as Charge Up Kansas, aligns with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and is designed to build a reliable, convenient, and equitable public charging network along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. The program’s primary goal is to enable the sustainable movement of people and goods, modernize transportation infrastructure, and invest in Kansas communities. KDOT has been allocated approximately $40 million over five years and is implementing the program in coordinated stages through Calls for Projects and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). These are intended to support DC fast-charging infrastructure within one mile of corridors including I-70, I-35, I-335, I-135, U.S. 400, and U.S. 81. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, tribes, nonprofits, utilities, private entities, and collaborative groups of these. Federal funding covers up to 80% of project costs, requiring a 20% local cash match. A key component of funding eligibility is adherence to NEVI and state-specific requirements regarding station amenities, power access, and proximity to transportation routes. As of the 2025 update, the program is paused pending revised federal guidance due to DOT Order 2100.7, but reimbursement of previously obligated funds will continue. Final guidance is expected in Spring 2025. Prior to this pause, KDOT awarded over $6.8 million for nine new stations in cities such as Augusta, Ottawa, and Dodge City in Round 2, and over $4.6 million in Round 1 to six locations including Emporia and Garden City. The awarded stations must meet ADA standards, be open to the public, and include amenities such as restrooms, food, lighting, and weather shelters. The evaluation process for applications is based on responsiveness to RFP requirements. Proposals are selected through a low-bid process if they meet all technical and federal compliance criteria. Performance measures include tracking EV adoption, charger uptime, corridor readiness, and deployment in Disadvantaged Communities. Additional planning and community engagement efforts are integrated, including surveys and outreach with stakeholders like utilities and MPOs, to ensure strategic site selection and public support. Application timelines vary with each funding round. There are no active open dates due to the current federal suspension; however, conditional awards for Round 2 were planned for September 2024, and KDOT anticipates issuing further RFPs once corridors are considered fully built out. All awarded charging stations must operate for at least five years and comply with detailed federal and state guidelines, including labor certifications through EVITP or equivalent apprenticeship programs. Interested applicants or stakeholders should reach out to the Charge Up Kansas team for additional information. Contacts include Josh Rinkel of KDOT. Further updates, including new RFPs and guidance releases, will be posted publicly and available for comment prior to finalization.

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