We're in a transition from gasoline combustible engines to electric vehicles. That was a message to the Manhattan City Commission during a work session on Tuesday evening.
There was a presentation from the Flint Hills MPO about an electric vehicle readiness plan. No action was required but there was good information for the public.
There are Level 2 charging stations for home, retail and office locations, and Level 3 gas station style facilities.The average electric vehicle travel range is 284 miles. EV's have about 30% less maintenance expense.
There wee 78 million vehicles sold around the world in 2024 with 22% electric. There were 88,000 vehicles oversll sold in Kansas in 2024 and approximately two percent of those in the Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie county region were electric.
There is a need for Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations along I-70. There is a gap from Maple Hill to Abilene. In Junction city there are none near the interstate, only two stations total and one of those is private. The MPO is working with the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce to get one. Manhattan is not eligible.
Investment will be required for charging stations but those funds will drive down costs for all EV's.
One recommendation is to ensure EV charging stations are included in all new parking lots.