Building Iowa's EV Corridors
Update, April 2023:
Iowa DOT and its partners continue to develop the state’s NEVI grant funding program. Find answers to frequently asked questions on the FAQ tab. If your question is not answered, please email iowa.evplan@iowadot.us.
In February 2022, the Federal Highway Administration released information related to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. This program 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.
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 April 2022, more than 9,400 electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles 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.
WHAT ARE WE DOING TO SUPPORT ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE?
With an uptick in drivers choosing electric vehicles, Iowa has developed a plan to support the needs of those drivers.
Our Electric Vehicle Deployment Plan is part of a broader effort to create a national electric vehicle charging network along major transportation corridors. Development of the plan was funded through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Iowa’s plan was submitted to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for review and was approved in September 2022. [Read the plan here]
Other statewide partners are working with us on the implementation of the plan and many details remain to be worked out. One of the activities you may be interested in is a grant program for electric charging stations. Updates will be posted to this web page.
If you’re interested in following these developments, please sign up for plan emails to receive information on future plan deployment updates and timelines.
IOWA’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEPLOYMENT PLAN
Aug. 1, 2022 - Iowa’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plan was submitted to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for their review.
This plan was developed following the 90-day National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program guidance issued on Feb. 10, 2022.
Sept. 27, 2022 - Iowa’s plan was approved by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
Approval of the plan allows the state of Iowa to begin implementing the plan and accessing the federal NEVI formula funding. After approval, there are still many details to work out regarding program implementation and administration so we anticipate it will be later this winter before we are able to officially announce the availability of funding and the process for seeking those funds.