Iowa's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment

INTRODUCTION

The vehicles sharing Iowa’s roadways are increasingly more diverse in the way they are powered. With travelers embracing electric vehicles on a larger scale, the Iowa Department of Transportation needs your input on how best to support these electric vehicles.

PLAN PURPOSE

Planning infrastructure updates to support electric vehicles will help bolster their viability moving forward. As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funds were authorized to support the continued development of electric vehicle plans. As a result, Iowa is joining many other states in developing plans to create a national electric vehicle charging network along major transportation corridors. This network will offer convenient electric vehicle charging opportunities and facilitate a more reliable travel network for electric vehicles within the state, as well as across the country.

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.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is joining other statewide partners in preparing a plan for development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state highway and interstate system. This plan will build 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 federal funds that support electric vehicles infrastructure development.

Why are we investing in electric vehicle infrastructure?

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. Electric vehicles are also growing within Iowa. As of April 2022, more than 9,400 electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles were registered within the state.

And, as major corridors cross the state, it’s crucial for Iowa to have sufficient charging infrastructure to meet demand from both short- and long-range travelers. This will help our state remain competitive, reduce potential future emissions, and could help spur economic growth.

vision and goals

goals

• An electric vehicle fast-charging system that supports regional and interstate travel.
• A local electric vehicle system that promotes equitable access and mobility throughout Iowa’s communities.
• A charging network that helps provide the traveling public with a variety of transportation and energy options.
• A transportation system that reduces energy lifecycle emissions to minimize the impact on human and environmental health.
• A sustainable transportation and energy system that can adapt to economic, technological, and environmental changes while providing a high level of system reliability.
• A charging network that supports long-term electric vehicle station success which maximizes economic benefits for consumers.
• A growing network of chargers that fosters innovation and collaboration to expand economic opportunities.

Plan Timeline