Francis Energy Expands EV Fast Charging Network into Kansas
with Grant Award from Kansas Department of Transportation
TULSA, OK (February 7, 2022) – Francis Energy, owner and operator of the nation’s first comprehensive statewide EV charging network, announced today it is expanding into Kansas. The company was recently awarded grant funds by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to build and operate three new charging stations in high-traffic areas along I-70 and I-35 in central and southern Kansas. The locations include Russell, Matfield Green and Belle Plaine.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the state of Kansas to build reliable public charging infrastructure that will give drivers peace of mind as they travel across the state,” said Francis Founder and CEO David Jankowsky. “We are taking our success in Oklahoma as a model to build a charging network across middle America and today’s announcement is an important step towards making that happen.”
Matt Messina, KDOT’s Transportation Planning Manager, said at the state’s announcement, “Many applicants proved dedication to EV services beyond the required five-year commitment as they are eager to promote transportation options.”
Francis Energy has built the first in the nation comprehensive statewide network of fast chargers across the state of Oklahoma with stations virtually every 50 miles. The Oklahoma network ensures rural areas, tribal lands, and underserved communities have reliable access to charging stations.
This initial expansion into Kansas will include three new locations with each having two 150kW DCFC and one level-2 charging unit. Construction of the new stations will begin in Q2 of this year, with project completion by the beginning of Q4.
The KDOT grant money comes from the state’s portion of the Volkswagen emissions settlement trust. Staff from KDOT, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment and a team of consultants evaluated each project proposal and made selections based on criteria provided in a Request for Proposals (RFP) announced in October 2021. Each award recipient is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost.
Francis Energy recently announced additional partnerships to expand its national charging network in the Houston metro area with Fuel Maxx and a Midwest charging center with Wally’s, located outside St. Louis. The company was also awarded a similar grant in January by the state of Missouri for three new charging stations that are expected to be completed in Q3.