Iowa's EV PLAN

FHWA issued guidance in February 2022 for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which provides federal funds for the strategic deployment of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The program provides up to $7.5 billion to make electric vehicle chargers accessible for public use by establishing a nationwide interconnected network across the U.S., located primarily along alternative fuel corridors.

Alternative fuel corridors are federally designated routes on major highways that allow for inter-city, regional and national travel using lower-emission vehicles. Iowa currently has four alternative fuel corridors: Interstates 80, 380, 29, and 35.

National Electric Vehicles Infrastructure -funded Electric Vehicles Plans and charging infrastructure must:

• Be open to public and commercial fleet operators
• Use funds for electric vehicle charging stations along designated corridors
• Connect to the electric grid and be spaced no more than 50 miles apart and less than one mile from Interstates and highway corridors
• Be near restrooms, small businesses, and other amenities
• Address needs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in rural corridors and under-served or disadvantaged communities
• Provide long-term operation and maintenance
• Include existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs and incentives
• Consider public-private or private investment partnerships
• Allow flexibility for future upgrades based on power levels and charging speeds
• Adhere to Joint Office of Energy and Transportation standards and requirements
• Consider consumer protection, cyber-security, domestic manufacturing, emergency evacuation planning, environmental permitting, resilience, and terrain-related issues
• Must be submitted to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation by August 1, 2022, to avoid forfeiture of funds

Why are we investing in electric vehicle infrastructure?

Iowa is a proud and nationally recognized leader in renewable energy and biodiesel and ethanol production. Our state has made a significant investment in renewable fuel infrastructure. State leaders, local communities, private companies, and utilities are making solid progress in adding electric vehicle infrastructure to our diverse fuel mix.

Many drivers are looking for low or no-emission vehicles and manufacturers are responding by introducing a number of new vehicles. With the cost of some electric vehicles now coming close to that of gasoline-powered models, more people are looking to electric vehicles as a viable transportation option.

More than 200,000 electric vehicles were sold in the United States in the first quarter of 2022. As of June 2023, approximately 12,800 EVs were registered in Iowa.

Iowa is a transportation crossroads, with major interstates dissecting our state. As more travelers use electric vehicles for both intra- and interstate travel, it is crucial to have sufficient charging infrastructure to meet demand. The development of this infrastructure will help us remain competitive, reduce potential future emissions, and spur economic growth.

While investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is important to our future, our transportation system must continue to support all types of vehicles and their fuel needs. We will remain unwavering in our support for varied fuel resources and associated infrastructure, including ethanol, biodiesel, renewable natural gas, and electric.