Kansas City Welcomes New EV Charging Network!
Hey, Kansas City! Exciting news is coming your way as WHC Worldwide, the parent company of zTrip, just finished building a brand-new electric vehicle (EV) charging network right in the heart of our metro area! This fantastic new facility is set to enhance the city’s EV infrastructure, making it easier for everyone to hop aboard the electric revolution.
Why a New Charging Hub?
Bill George, the founder and CEO of WHC Worldwide, pointed out an important challenge that they faced as they began incorporating electric vehicles into their fleet: “There just wasn’t enough charging infrastructure at all, let alone high-speed charging.” It looks like the days of range anxiety are coming to an end!
What’s in Store at the Charging Hub?
Located conveniently near Interstate 70 and The Paseo, this charging hub is set to open its doors to the public in January. With the installation of 12 DC fast chargers, also called Level 3 chargers, you can juice up your EV in less than an hour! And if that wasn’t enough, plans are already in place to expand to 18 chargers, which will keep up with WHC’s electrification plans. Talk about planning for the future!
A Greener Fleet in the Works
WHC has been on a gradual journey to electrify its fleet, which includes over 3,000 taxis across the nation. Currently, zTrip boasts about 100 fully electric and hybrid vehicles. But they’re not stopping there; Bill mentioned that they might even consider electrifying their more substantial vehicle services like SuperShuttle Express airport transportation. That’s a big deal for environmentally conscious travelers!
More Revenue Streams Ahead
Besides helping the environment, this charging hub is also a smart business move. With its strategic location near major highways and popular attractions like GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, this facility is poised to be a go-to stop when Kansas City hosts exciting events, such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Getting a boost in revenue while promoting sustainability sounds like a win-win!
Collaboration Drives Innovation
WHC Worldwide teamed up with Inspiration Mobility Group, an EV-fleet management company, to launch this impressive charging network. But that’s not all! They’re already looking into building more charging hubs in other cities like Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and even Dulles International Airport in Washington. With construction on another site in Pittsburgh expected to finish in just three weeks, WHC is gearing up their electrification efforts!
A Bright Future for Kansas City Taxis
In the past, WHC invested in about eight Level 2 chargers at their headquarters. While these chargers take longer to charge an EV—around 6 to 8 hours—the quick chargers are a game changer! Bill has made it clear that switching to electric vehicles is more than just the initial investment; it’s an effort that has already led to significant savings for the company due to lower maintenance costs.
As they roll out this innovative infrastructure, WHC Worldwide is excited to expand its local fleet to include even more EVs. Bill stated, “We’ll be adding some [EVs] now that we have the infrastructure.” So buckle up, Kansas City! A cleaner, more sustainable future is rolling in fast.
