EV Marketing Plan for The City of Kansas City, Missouri
1326 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64110 816-210-1109
www.computerizedautosearch.com
EV Marketing Plan for The City of Kansas City, Missouri
Opening Statement
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Imagine a city where the air is cleaner, the streets are quieter, and the future is brighter. A city that leads the nation in innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. This is not a distant dream, but a tangible reality we can achieve together. Today, we stand at the threshold of a transformative journey, one that will redefine Kansas City, Missouri as a beacon of electric mobility and environmental stewardship. By partnering with Computerized Auto Search (CAS), an automobile dealer industry leader with approximately 37 years of unparalleled expertise, we have the unique opportunity to electrify our city, enhance our infrastructure, and inspire future generations. This collaboration is not just about adopting electric vehicles; it’s about embracing a vision for a sustainable future, where every citizen plays a vital role in creating a healthier, more vibrant community. Let us embark on this journey together, with boldness, disruptive innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Marketing Plan for Electrifying Kansas City, Missouri
Executive Summary
This marketing plan outlines a strategic partnership between the City of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) and Computerized Auto Search (CAS), an esteemed automobile dealership with approximately 37 years of experience. The plan aims to electrify KCMO by promoting Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, enhancing EV Infrastructure, and fostering community engagement through disruptive innovation initiatives.
Introduction
On October 11, 2024, I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Cedric Rowan, the Deputy Director of General Service Departments. During our one-hour meeting, we discussed how the city could collaborate with CAS to electrify KCMO. This plan leverages CAS’s extensive experience and resources to support the city’s transition to electric mobility.
Objectives
1: Promote EV Adoption: Increase the number of EVs in KCMO’s fleet and among residents.
2: Enhance EV Infrastructure: Develop a comprehensive network of charging stations across the city.
3: Community Engagement: Educate the public on the benefits of EVs and foster a culture of sustainability.
Key Strategies
1: Partnership with CAS:
EV Procurement: The city of KCMO should purchase EVs and charging stations from CAS. CAS will serve as a 24/7 hub station and EV Fleet Management facility for city employees to charge, recharge, park, store and check city EVs in and out while on official city business.
Dedicated Charging Stations: Establish dedicated charging stations and parking for city use at CAS’s facility. Also embrace inductive charging.
2: Leverage CAS’s Expertise:
Customer Service Excellence: Mr. Rowan’s has firsthand knowledge and experience with CAS’s excellent customer service and pristine vehicles, as demonstrated during the city’s previous purchase of a fleet of vans from CAS.
Disruptive Innovation: Embrace bold, innovative approaches to electrification, challenging assumptions and developing a nation-first prototype EV Resource Center on CAS’s showroom floor.
3: EV Resource Center:
Public Education: Promote EV awareness and ownership through educational programs and explain the health and environmental benefits of electrification.
Live Podcasts: CAS will host weekly or daily podcasts featuring interesting subjects, illustrations, invite subject matter experts, area citizens and guest speakers to engage the community.
4: Educational Initiatives:
Capstone Programs: Implement EV-related capstone programs in primary, secondary and higher education school systems, including Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Research Collaboration: Partner with Lincoln University for research projects and other EV initiatives, integrating EV concepts into their curriculum.
5: Infrastructure Expansion:
Charging Stations: Purchase charging stations and EVs from CAS and distribute charging stations for residential, commercial, fleet, medium to heavy-duty vehicles, school/airport buses, and public transit buses.
Utility Collaboration: Leverage CAS’s experience with the city’s energy provider/ utility company to ensure seamless integration of EV infrastructure.
Marketing and Promotion
1: Public Speaking Engagements: I have been a national guest speaker on several EV webinars sharing my EV knowledge and vision on urban electrification, discussing EV health related topics such as “How public and private sector leaders cut medium to heavy-duty vehicle emissions faster at an affordable cost using new and emerging technologies.”
2: Media Outreach: Utilize local and national media to promote the partnership and its benefits.
3: Community Events: Organize events and workshops to demonstrate EV technology and its advantages.
Financial Projections
Cost Savings: Outline potential cost savings for the city through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
Funding Opportunities: The City of KCMO and CAS will collaborate and work smart together to identify grants and incentives available for EV infrastructure development.
Call to Action
CAS is uniquely qualified to partner with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, to electrify the city and promote sustainable transportation. This partnership will be a win-win for all stakeholders, enhancing the city’s infrastructure, improving public health, and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability.
We urge the City of Kansas City, Missouri, to embrace this opportunity to lead the nation in EV adoption and infrastructure development. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our community.
Additional Points
1. Passion for EV Awareness: CAS is deeply committed to promoting EV awareness, ownership, and expanding charging infrastructure across urban communities, American highways, educational institutions both in the USA and abroad.
2. Strategic Location: CAS is located on major thoroughfare in a high-traffic business district, near an upscale shopping/dining/residential plaza, two of the largest universities in KCMO, multiple restaurants, a famous Bar-B-Q restaurant, a research center, DMV and numerous feeder businesses.
3. Bold and Disruptive Innovation: CAS would like to partner with the city of KCMO in completing/developing a prototype and nation-first, state-of-the-art EV Resource Center. CAS has displayed new beautiful EV signs on our exterior showroom windows, a redesigned website, and a world-class live daily or weekly podcast.
4. Community Involvement: It is of paramount importance to involve all stakeholders such as the; the community at-large, city, state, county, and federal government. Additionally, the citizens of our community, all the small and large businesses, our school districts/local and state colleges and universities/HBCU must be involved in the community electrification process to bring EV awareness and ownership to the city of Kansas City, Missouri.
Financial Projections
Cost Savings
1. Fuel Savings: Transitioning to EVs can significantly reduce fuels costs for the city’s fleet. EVs are more energy-efficient and have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasolines vehicles.
For Example: If the city replaces 100 gasoline vehicles with EVs, it could save approximately $500,000.00 annually on fuel costs, assuming an average fuel cost of $3.00 per gallon and an average mileage of 12,000 miles per vehicle.
2. Maintenance Savings: EVs have fewer parts and require less maintenance than Internal Combustion Engine vehicles (ICE), leading to lower maintenance costs.
For Example: The city could save around $200,000.00 annually in maintenance costs by switching to EVs based on industry estimates of $2,000.00 savings per vehicle per year.
Revenue Generation
1. Charging Stations Fees: The city can generate revenue by installing public charging stations and charging a fee for their use.
For Example: If the city installs 50 charging stations and charges $0.30 per kWh, it could generate approximately $150,000.00 annually, assuming each station is used for 10 hours per day.
2. Partnership and Sponsorships: Collaborating with EV manufacturers and other stakeholders can bring in sponsorship deals and partnerships, providing additional revenue streams. I have started negotiations with an EV manufacturer.
For Example: Partnering with a major EV manufacturer could result in sponsorship deals worth $100,000 annually.
Funding Opportunities
1. Grants and Incentives: There are numerous federal, state and local grants and incentives available for EV infrastructure development.
For Example: The city could apply for grants such as the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program, which provides funding for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure which CAS can provide the vehicles.
2. Tax Credits: Utilizing available tax credits for EV purchases and charging infrastructure can further reduce costs.
For Example: The federal government offers a tax credit up to $7,500.00 per EV, which could result in significant savings for the city when purchasing a fleet of EVs.
Economic Impact
1. Job Creation: Developing EV infrastructure and promoting EV adoption can create new jobs in the city, from construction and installation of charging stations to maintenance and customer service roles.
For Example: The project could create 50-100 new jobs, boosting the local economy.
2. Increased Property Values: Installing EV charging stations can increase property values in the surrounding areas, benefiting local businesses and residents.
For Example: Properties near charging stations could see a 2-5% increase in value, based on studies of similar infrastructure projects.
Long-Term Benefits
1. Environmental Impact: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to EVs will improve air quality and public health, leading to long-term savings in healthcare costs.
For Example: The city could save millions in healthcare costs over the next decade by reducing pollution-related illnesses.
2. Sustainability Leadership: By leading the way in EV adoption and infrastructure, Kansas City, Missouri can position itself as a leader in sustainability, attracting businesses and residents who prioritize environmental responsibility.
For Example: This leadership can enhance the city’s reputation and attract new investments, further boosting the local economy.
Strategies to Involve Local Schools
1: Capstone Programs and Curriculum Integration
Capstone Projects: Implement EV-related capstone projects in primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. These projects can focus on various aspects of EV technology, sustainability, and infrastructure development.
Curriculum Integration: Work with schools to integrate EV concepts into their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula. This can include lessons on the environmental benefits of EVs, the science behind electric motors, and the importance of renewable energy.
2: Partnerships with Universities
Research Collaboration: Partner with local universities, such as Lincoln University and other institutions in Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct research on EV technology and infrastructure. This can include studies on battery efficiency, charging station placement, and the economic impact of EV adoption.
Internship Programs: Create internship opportunities for university students to work with CAS and the city on EV-related projects. This hands-on experience can help students gain valuable skills and contribute to the initiative.
3: Educational Workshops and Seminars
Workshops: Organize workshops and seminars for students and teachers to learn about EV technology, sustainability, and the benefits of electrification. These can be held at schools, universities, or the EV Resource Center.
Guest Speakers: Invite industry experts, including representatives from CAS and EV manufacturers, to speak at schools and universities about the future of transportation and the roles of EVs.
4: EV Awareness Campaigns
Schools Competitions: Host competitions for students to design posters, videos, or presentations promoting EV awareness and sustainability. Winners can be featured in local media and receive prizes.
Awareness Drives: Conduct awareness drives in schools to educate students about the benefits of EVs and how they can contribute to a sustainable future.
5: Field Trips and Hands-On Learning
Facility Tours: Arrange field trips to CAS’s facility for students to see EVs and charging stations up close. This can include demonstrations of how EVs work and the process of charging them.
Hands-On Projects: Encourage schools to incorporate hands-on projects, such as building small-scale EV models or setting up mock charging stations, to engage students in practical learning.
6: Community Involvement
Parent-Teacher Associations: Work with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) to promote EV awareness and involve parents in the initiative. This can include informational sessions and community events.
School Events: Participate in school events, such as science fairs and environmental days, to showcase EV technology and educate the community.
Benefits of School Involvement
Educational Enrichment: Enhances students’ knowledge and skills in STEM fields and sustainability.
Community Engagement: Fosters a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility within the community.
Future Workforce: Prepares the next generation for careers in the growing EV industry.
Positive Publicity: Demonstrates the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, attracting positive attention and support.
“By involving local schools in the EV initiative, we can create a comprehensive and inclusive approach to electrifying Kansas City, Missouri ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged and informed. This collaborative effort will help build a sustainable future for the city and its residents.”
Benefits of Using CAS Facility as a Fleet Management Satellite/Hub Station
1: 24/7 Accessibility: CAS’s facility will be open 24/7 for city employees to store, charge, recharge, and exchange EVs while on official city business.
2: Convenient Parking: Employees can leave their personal vehicles at CAS’s parking lot and easily access EVs for city use, saving time and enhancing efficiency.
3: Strategic Location: CAS is located on a major thoroughfare, and a high traffic business district, shopping/dinning/residential plaza, two major universities, multiple restaurants, a research center, and numerous feeder businesses.
4: Comprehensive Charging Infrastructure: CAS will provide charging stations inside and outside the facility for city use, ensuring that city EVs are always ready for operation.
5: Enhanced Security: The facility will offer 24/7 surveillance cameras to ensure the safety and security of the vehicles and employees.
6: Cost Savings: The city will save money by purchasing EVs from CAS, benefiting from competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
“Engaging local media is crucial for promoting the partnership between CAS and the City of Kansas City, Missouri”.
Strategies to Engage Local Media
1: Press Releases
Announcement: Issue a press release announcing the partnership and its goals. Highlight the benefits of electrifying the city and the innovative aspects of the collaboration.
Milestones: Regularly update the media with press releases about key milestones, such as the launch of the EV Resource Center, installation of new charging stations, and any significant events or achievements.
2: Media Events
Press Conferences: Host press conferences to provide updates on the initiative, featuring key speakers from CAS and the city. This can generate significant media coverage and public interest.
Facility Tours: Invite local journalists to tour CAS’s facility, showcasing the EV fleet management hub, charging stations and the EV Resource Center. Provide demonstrations and interviews with key personnel.
Human Interest Stories: Pitch human interest stories to local newspapers and TV stations, focusing on the personal impact of the initiative. Highlight stories of city employees using EVs, community members benefiting from the new infrastructure, and educational programs in local schools.
Expert Interviews: Offer interviews with experts from CAS and the city to discuss the benefits of EVs, the importance of sustainability, and the future of transportation.
4: Local TV and Radio
Segments and Interviews: Arrange for segments on local TV and radio shows to discuss the partnership and its benefits. Feature interviews with key stakeholders and experts.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Create PSAs to air on local TV and radio, promoting EV awareness and the benefits of the initiative.
5: Social Media Engagement
Collaborative Campaigns: Partner with local media outlets for social media campaigns. Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and success stories on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Live Streaming: Use live streaming on social media to broadcast events, press conferences, and facility tours. Engage with the audience in real-time through Q&A sessions.
6: Community Newspapers and Magazines
Articles and Columns: Write articles and opinion pieces for community newspapers and magazines, discussing the partnership, its goals, and the benefits of EV adoption.
Advertisements: Place advertisements in local publications to promote the initiative and upcoming events.
7: Local Blogs and Online Platforms
Guest Posts: Contribute guest posts to local blogs and online platforms, providing insights into the partnership and the importance of sustainable transportation.
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers and bloggers to spread the word about the initiative and engage with their audiences.
Benefits of Media Engagement
1. Increase Awareness: Media coverage will raise awareness about the partnership and its benefits, encouraging community support and participation.
2. Public Support: Positive media coverage can generate public support for the initiative, making it easier to implement and sustain.
3. Enhanced Reputation: Engaging with local media will enhance the reputation of both CAS and the city, positioning them as leaders in sustainability and innovation.
4. Community Involvement: Media engagement will foster a sense of community involvement and pride, encouraging residents to participate in and support the initiative.
“By effectively engaging local media, we can ensure that the partnership between CAS and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, receives the attention and support it deserves, ultimately contributing to the success of the initiative.”
Involving local influencers can significantly boost the visibility and impact our campaign to electrify Kansas City, Missouri. Here are some strategies to effectively engage local influencers.
Strategies to Involve Local Influencers
1: Identify the Right Influencers
Research: Identify local influencers who align with our brand’s values and have genuine interest in sustainability and Electric Vehicles (EVs). Look for influencers in niches such as technology, environmental advocacy, lifestyle, and local news.
Engagement: Follow and engage with potential influencers on social media to understand their content and audience better.
2: Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Campaign Objectives: Clearly define what CAS and the City of KCMO want to achieve with the influencer campaign, such as raising awareness, driving engagement, or increasing EV adoption.
Deliverables: Outline the specific deliverables you expect from the influencers, such as social media posts, blog articles, or video content.
3: Craft Authentic and Relatable Campaigns
Personal Stories: Encourage influencers to share personal stories and experiences with EVs, highlighting the benefits and their impact on daily life.
Creative Content: Collaborate with influencers to create engaging and creative content, such as tutorials on using EVs, behind-the-scenes tours of CAS’s facility, or live Q&A sessions.
4: Utilize Micro-Influencers for Greater Impact
Local Reach: Micro-influencers often have a more engaged and loyal local following. Partnering with them can create a more authentic connection with the community.
Cost-Effective: Micro-influencers are typically more cost-effective than larger influencers, allowing us to work with multiple influencers within our budget.
5:
Contest and Challenges: Launch contest or challenges that encourage followers to create and share their own content related to EVs and sustainability. Feature the best submissions on our social media.
Hashtags: Create a unique campaign hashtag to track and amplify user-generated content.
6: Host Influencer Events
Exclusive Previews: Invite influencers to exclusive previews of new EV models, charging stations, or the EV Resource Center. Provide them with firsthand experiences to share with their followers.
Launch Events: Organize launch events for key milestones, such as the opening of the EV Resource Center and/or the installation of new charging stations and invite influencers to cover the events.
7: Leverage Influencer Networks
Collaborations: Encourage influencers to collaborate with each other, creating a network effect that amplifies our campaign reach.
Cross-Promotions: Partner with influencers to cross-promote content on different platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, and blogs.
Benefits of Involving Local Influencers
1: Increased Awareness: Influencers can help raise awareness about the partnership and the benefits of EVs, reaching a wider audience.
2: Authentic Engagement: Influencers have built trust with their followers, making their endorsements more credible and impactful.
3: Community Connection: Local influencers can create a stronger connection with the community, fostering a sense of involvement and support for the initiative.
4: Enhanced Visibility: Regular posts and updates from influencers can keep the campaign top-of-mind for their followers, driving continuous engagement.
“By effectively involving local influencers, we can amplify the reach and impact of our campaign, ensuring that the message of electrifying KCMO resonates with a broad and engaged audience”.
Influencer Meetup at CAS’s Facility
Objectives
1: Raise Awareness: Increase visibility of the partnership between CAS and the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
2: Engage Influencers: Provide influencers with firsthand experience of CAS’s offering and the benefits of EVs.
3: Generate Content: Encourage influencers to create and share content about the event, amplify the campaign’s reach.
Planning the Event
1: Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works well for most influencers, preferably on a weekend or an evening to maximize attendance.
2: Invitations
Create personalized invitations for local influencers, highlighting the exclusive nature of the event and the exciting activities planned.
Use a mix of email invitations and direct messages on social media to reach out to influencers.
3: Event Agenda
Welcome and Introduction: Start with a welcome speech by a key representative from CAS, introducing the partnership and the goals of the initiative.
Facility Tour: Provide a guided tour of CAS’s facility, showcasing the EV fleet management hub, charging stations and the EV Resource Center.
Live Demonstrations: Conduct live demonstrations of EV technology, including charging processes and vehicle features.
Interactive Sessions: Host interactive sessions where influencers can ask questions, share their thoughts, and discuss the benefits of EVs.
Networking: Allow time for influencers to network with each other, CAS representatives, and city officials.
Content Creation: Set up designated areas for influencers to take photos, record videos, and create content for their social media channels.
4: Special Features
Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers, such as EV experts, city officials, and representatives from EV manufacturers, to share insights and engage with influencers.
Refreshments: Provide refreshments and snacks, preferably from local businesses to support the community.
Goodie Bags: Prepare goodie bags with branded merchandise, EV-related materials and discount vouchers for CAS services.
5:
Promotion
Social Media Teasers: Share teasers and behind-the-scenes content on CAS’s social media channels leading up to the event.
Event Hashtags: Create a unique event hashtag for influencers to use when posting about the meetup, making it easy to track and amplify content.
Live Streaming: Consider live streaming parts of the events on social media to engage a broader audience.
Benefits of the Influencer Meetup
1: Increased Visibility: The event will generate significant online buzz, increasing awareness of the partnership and the benefits of EVs.
2: Authentic Engagement: Influencers will share their genuine experiences, creating authentic and relatable content for their followers.
3: Community Building: The meetup will foster a sense of community among influencers, CAS, and the city, encouraging ongoing support and collaboration.
4: Content Generation: Influencers will create a wealth of content, including photos, videos, and blog posts, that can be shared across various platforms to maintain momentum.
“By organizing an influencer meetup at CAS’s facility, we can effectively leverage the power of social media to promote the electrification initiative and engage the community in a meaningful way”.
