Does Iowa still support other types of fuels?
- 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.
- Iowa will remain unwavering in our support for varied fuel resources and associated infrastructure, including ethanol, biodiesel, renewable natural gas and electric.
How many drivers in Iowa use electric vehicles?
- As of June 2023, there are more than 12,800 electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles registered within Iowa. There is at least one in each county.
Why are electric vehicles important?
- Electric vehicles are continuing to grow in popularity in the U.S. -- sales of electric vehicles in the country jumped to a record high of more than 200,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2022. Automakers are building more options and customers are fueling the demand for low- and no-emission vehicles.
Why is this plan being developed?
- The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is joining other statewide partners in preparing a plan for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state highway and interstate system. In addition to building upon guidance from prior transportation and electric vehicle planning efforts, this plan will meet 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requirements and will allow Iowa DOT to become eligible to receive millions of dollars in federal funds that support electric vehicle infrastructure development in the next five years.
What are the vision and goals that will guide the development of the plan?
How does this plan fit with other efforts?
- This plan will build from previous statewide efforts, including the Iowa DOT 2022 State Transportation Plan and Iowa EDA’s 2019 report, Charging Forward: Iowa’s Opportunities for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support. Additionally, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program is available for all 50 states, and Iowa’s plan will be in alignment with guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Who is receiving NEVI Funding to build an EV charging station in Iowa?
- 28 sites across the state have been awarded NEVI funding. View the full list. More than $16.8 million in NEVI funding will be matched with $4.2 million in private funds.
How did Iowa DOT determine who received funding?
- Iowa DOT performed a competitive selection process as outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) published in December 2023. Applications were scored based on location to Alternative Fuel Corridors and priority zones; history of hosting EV charging equipment; a cost proposal; and technical attributes of the proposed site. The NOFO can be downloaded here; additionally, Addendum 1, Addendum 2, Addendum 3, Addendum 4, Addendum 5, and Addendum 6 can all be downloaded by clicking on the file you wish to view.
How many applications were received?
- 80 applications were received in March 2024. 28 sites were awarded.
When will the next round of funding be available?
- That has not been determined yet. To keep up to date with application and funding opportunities, please sign up for the email list or email iowa.evplan@iowadot.us.
When will Iowa DOT accept funding applications for sites that are not on the Alternative Fuel Corridors (Interstate 80, 35, 29 and 380)?
- The NEVI rule states that a charging network must be fully built out (no more than 50 miles between sites) along AFCs before funding can be used to support EV chargers in other locations. Iowa DOT intends to prioritize completing the full build out of the AFCs in future NOFOs.
Will Iowa consider medium- or heavy-duty charging?
How many charging sites will Iowa DOT fund through NEVI?
- That is to be determined. Iowa will receive more than $51 million in federal NEVI funds. So far, $16.8 million has been awarded. Iowa DOT intends to maximize the number of charging sites that can be developed with this funding. However, the costs of sites can vary widely due to location, available utilities and other factors.
How can I share input on where I think a charger should be placed?
- Iowa DOT will be releasing a survey in the coming months to receive input on Iowa’s NEVI program. To keep up to date with planning, application and funding opportunities, please sign up for the email list or email iowa.evplan@iowadot.us
Why haven’t you put a charger at a rest area?
How can I sign up to receive updates on this project?
My question isn’t answered. How can I get it answered?
As the program guidance and application process are being developed, the above information and timelines are subject to change.