The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a rapid increase in the demand for public EV charging stations throughout Kansas City, which is committed to sustainability and innovative infrastructure.
Fortunately, the city of Kansas City provides an extensive range of public EV charging opportunities throughout the entire KC metropolitan area. Here are the primary charging locations:
Public Garages and Lots: Since there are many public garage/lot facilities located throughout downtown and commercially developed areas of the KC metropolitan area, you will find both public Level 2 and DC Fast chargers within many of these garage or lot facilities.
Retail and Shopping Centers: Many large retail stores such as Walmart, Target, and Costco as well as our popular shopping areas such as the Country Club Plaza have installed EV charging stations for their customers.
Highway Connectors: If you are traveling locally or taking a road trip, you should be able to find fast EV charging stations on major highway connectors in the Kansas City area, including the I-70 and I-35 corridors. Many of the fast charging stations on these highway connectors are part of the nationwide EV DC Fast Charging Networks such as Electrify America and ChargePoint, making long-distance travel with an EV easier than ever before.
Employers: In addition, many Kansas City area employers are providing EV charging stations at their places of employment as an employee benefit. If you own an electric vehicle (EV), be sure to check your office complex for EV charging stations.
Knowing which EV charging network to use can save time and money when it comes to getting your EV charged, so here are some of the most frequently used networks in Kansas City:
Evergy Clean Charge Network: As the local utility company, Evergy has teamed up with the City of Kansas City to provide their customers with lots of public EV charging stations. Many of these stations receive rebates for users, which will help to keep the price of electricity low.
ChargePoint: ChargePoint is one of the largest companies in the world that specializes in providing an extensive number of Level 2 and direct current fast charge stations throughout Kansas City. ChargePoint has a mobile application that will allow you to find and use their charging stations with ease.
Electrify America: Electrify America’s ultra-fast charging stations are located along the highways and are perfect for EVs traveling long distances. Some Electrify America stations are capable of providing up to 350 kilowatts of power to their customers, which can reduce the amount of time required to recharge your EV when using one of these stations.
Tesla Supercharger: If you are the owner of a Tesla EV, there are multiple high-speed Supercharger stations located around the Kansas City area, which will allow you to continue to travel long distances without delay. In addition, there are destination charging stations located in the hotels and restaurants where you will spend the night, which will also allow you to recharge your EV while you stay at one of these facilities.
To enhance your charging experience when using an electric vehicle in Kansas City, consider the following suggestions:
1. Plan Your Trip: If you’re going to do errands or make long-distance trips throughout the state, make sure to plan your trip so that you have access to charging stations along your route. Apps that show where electric vehicles (EVs) can charge such as PlugShare or any of the mapping apps installed in most new EVs will be extremely helpful.
2. Understand EV Charge Types: Understanding what types of chargers your EV expects will help you plan how long it will take to charge. For example, a Level 2 charger will take several hours to charge, however DC Quick Chargers can “fill up” your EV in 20-60 minutes.
3. Register with Charging Networks: In most cases, you will need to have an account and sign up with the major charging networks in advance of using them. This will make the charging experience at the charging stations go smoother.
4. Take Advantage of Lower Rates for Off-Peak Charging: Many charging networks have “off-peak” charging times when rates to charge are cheaper in the early morning and late evening. To save money when charging, plan to take advantage of the lower rates.
The city of Kansas City is continuing to prioritize the development of its EV infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road. As public and private entities continue to make ongoing investments into EV infrastructure within Kansas City, the future of EV charging stations within Kansas City looks bright! Kansas City residents can expect to see innovations in solar charging stations, energy-efficient charging stations, and smart grid integrations in the city, making the charging process easier and more sustainable for drivers.
If you are making the change to an electric vehicle, you can feel confident that Kansas City has a comprehensive charging network that will support you in making the transition to EVs.
Apps such as PlugShare or ChargeHub, or apps specific to EV charging networks such as ChargePoint and Electrify America, will show you where EV chargers are located, how they are priced, and if they are available.
Yes, there are a number of businesses and public locations that provide free or discounted charging as an incentive to attract EV drivers. Please check the specific network or provider for additional details.
Depending on the location of a charging station, you will find both Level 2 and DC Quick Chargers. Most commonly you will find Level 2 chargers; however, DC Quick Chargers will be found at select stations.
Tesla’s Destination Chargers are generally compatible with non-Tesla vehicles if they have the proper adapter. Only Tesla EVs have access to Superchargers, unless the location has a CCS adapter (in select locations).
The cost of charging will vary between networks, charging speeds, and the time you charge. Average costs of charging can be between $0.20-$0.30 per kWh at a Level 2 charger and $0.30-$0.50 at a DC Quick Charger depending on the above-mentioned factors.
In closing, you can expect now more than ever to have access to and find EV charging stations within Kansas City. By understanding your options, making use of available resources, and remaining informed, you can have a positive experience driving an EV in Kansas City (the City of Fountains).
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
