During the recent Geary County Commission meeting held on April 7, 2025, discussions centered around the region's Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan, presented by the Flint Hills NPL planning manager. The plan aims to assess the current state of EV adoption and infrastructure in the area, rather than promoting immediate action or projects.

The focus of the plan is primarily on light vehicles, aligning with the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, which emphasizes the need to address smaller vehicles before tackling larger ones like agricultural and heavy trucks. The manager highlighted the importance of understanding the local landscape regarding EVs, including the types of charging infrastructure needed as the market evolves.

Three types of charging were discussed: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The plan emphasizes Level 2 and Level 3 charging, with Level 3 being akin to gas station charging, allowing for rapid recharging of vehicles. The manager noted that most EV charging occurs at home during off-peak hours, which could help utilize otherwise wasted energy during nighttime.

The meeting also addressed the current state of EV adoption in the region, revealing that only about 2% of new vehicle sales in Geary County were electric. Comparatively, Kansas City reported a higher adoption rate of 6-7%. The manager pointed out that while the Flint Hills region is not as advanced as larger urban areas, the plan is designed to prepare for future growth in EV usage.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the potential impact of increased EV adoption on the electrical grid. However, representatives from Evergy, the local power provider, assured the commission that they are prepared to meet future demands and do not foresee significant challenges in accommodating EV growth. They emphasized that EV charging currently accounts for only a small fraction of total power consumption in the U.S., with projections suggesting it could rise modestly in the coming years.

The discussion also included recommendations for updating zoning and development codes to facilitate the installation of EV charging infrastructure. This includes ensuring new parking lots are equipped for EV charging and considering incentives for developers to incorporate EV readiness into their projects.

In conclusion, the Geary County Commission's meeting highlighted the region's proactive approach to preparing for the future of electric vehicles. By assessing current infrastructure and planning for potential growth, the commission aims to ensure that Geary County is ready to accommodate the evolving transportation landscape while addressing community concerns about energy demands. The next steps will involve further stakeholder engagement and the development of specific policies to support EV infrastructure.