The Kansas Department of Transportation continues seeking requests for proposals as it plans for a network of electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s major highways.
KDOT issued a request for information back in September for feedback and input to help develop the RFP. The application due date has now been extended to Dec. 15.
Proposed EV charging station locations include Interstate 35 around Emporia and the Kansas Turnpike’s Cassoday exit and Matfield Green service area. All told, there are 12 different corridors planned across the state. Proposed charging stations need to be within five miles of the corridor exits.
Emporia already has a Tesla-specific charging station at Emporia West Plaza, 1312 Industrial. Evergy has also reached an agreement with the Emporia City Commission to build a charging station at 1005 Mechanic. That facility could be ready for vehicles by the end of the year.
KDOT is looking to have Direct Current Fast Charging stations every 50 miles along primary highway corridors, including I-35 and the Turnpike. About $2 million in funding for the charging stations is provided by the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust.
