Let's Taco 'Bout Electric Vehicles!

Electric vehicles, better known as EVs, are giving drivers plenty to taco ’bout — and this fall, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) is serving up tacos, firsthand experiences, and practical information during NATIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC MONTH (NDEM).

Held Sept. 11-Oct. 12, 2026, NDEM is a nationwide celebration designed to raise awareness of the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles and more.

WEC WILL CELEBRATE LOCALLY WITH TWO “LET’S TACO ’BOUT IT” EVENTS FROM 4:30 TO 6:30 P.M. CT DURING THE FRESHMAN AND JUNIOR-VARSITY FOOTBALL GAMES IN: 

• GREAT BEND — Monday, Sept. 21 (vs. Garden City)
• SCOTT CITY — Monday, Oct. 12 (vs. Holcomb)

We invite co-op members to join us at either event to enjoy complimentary tacos while getting an up-close look at our two all-electric vehicles — A HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC AND FORD F-150 LIGHTNING.

The casual, come-and-go events are designed to make conversations about EVs as approachable as possible. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the vehicles, learn how charging works, and ask questions about range, costs, maintenance and everyday EV ownership — all without a sales pitch or pressure to purchase.

Because when it comes to EVs, WEC believes there is plenty worth discussing!

MEETING MEMBERS WHERE THEY ARE
Our EV outreach begins with a simple philosophy: meet people where they are.

For some members, that means helping them understand how an EV could fit into a daily commute. For others, it may mean discussing towing, long-distance travel, battery life or the availability of public charging stations. Some attendees may already own an EV, while others may be sitting inside one for the very first time.

By creating relaxed, community-centered events, WEC aims to give people the opportunity to form their own opinions based on firsthand experience and reliable information.

“The best conversations happen when there’s no pressure,” said Alli Conine, WEC’s director of member services and corporate communications. “We’re here to answer questions, share information and let members explore whether an EV fits their lifestyle.”

WEC has hosted RIDE+DRIVE EVENTS throughout its service territory for several years, bringing our EVs to community celebrations, civic gatherings, school events, golf tournaments and more. 

DRIVING AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION 
WEC’s grassroots approach to EV education recently earned national recognition. In 2025, WEC received PLUG IN AMERICA’S NATIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC UTILITY AWARD, honoring the cooperative’s leadership in expanding EV education, charging access and hands-on experiences in rural Kansas.

WEC was selected from utilities across the country and was one of only four national finalists. The recognition highlighted WEC’s work to bring practical EV programming to communities often separated from large dealerships, fast-charging infrastructure, and other electrification resources by long distances.

“Innovation doesn’t mean waiting for change to arrive — it means helping lead the conversation,” Conine added. “We want our rural members to have the same opportunities as people in larger communities to learn about EVs.”

Since 2021, WEC has installed public CHARGEPOINT LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATIONS in Garden City, Great Bend and Harper. Those stations have supported nearly 2,000 charging sessions by over 830 unique drivers as of August 2026, helping provide important charging access across WEC’s expansive service territory.

WEC has also incorporated EVs into its own fleet. Wheatland added the Kona Electric in 2021 and the Lightning in 2023. Both vehicles serve as mobile educational tools during public events, while the Lightning pickup truck is also used in day-to-day operations, primarily in Great Bend.

MORE THAN ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Although EVs can reduce tailpipe emissions, WEC’s outreach also focuses heavily on the practical benefits that matter to rural drivers.

EVs generally require fewer routine maintenance services because they do not need oil changes and contain fewer moving parts than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Home charging can also allow drivers to begin each day with a charged vehicle without making a separate stop at a gas station.

At the same time, EVs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Vehicle cost, access to charging, driving distance, climate, towing needs and lifestyle all play a role in determining whether an EV is a good fit.

That is why WEC’s goal is not to tell members what they should drive. Instead, we provide the tools, experiences and trustworthy information members need to make informed decisions.

Members can also explore our free ChooseEV digital toolkit, available online, which provides information about available vehicles, charging options, operating costs, incentives and estimated environmental benefits.

COME HUNGRY — AND CURIOUS
Whether you already drive electric, are considering an EV for your next vehicle or simply want to see what the technology is all about, WEC invites you to stop by one of this year’s NDEM events.

Come for the tacos. Stay for the conversation. You may discover that EVs offer more to taco ’bout than you expected!