DES MOINES, Iowa – (October 1, 2020) – MidAmerican Energy today announced it will significantly expand its developing electric vehicle direct-current fast-charging network in the Des Moines metro area, and also announced plans to add additional sites elsewhere in Iowa.

 

The company aims to increase its developing EV fast-charging network from 18 sites by the end of the year, to 50 by the end of 2022.

 

MidAmerican will pursue agreements with 32 additional site hosts in targeted cities, with more than half in the Des Moines area. The company is now accepting applications from businesses and community entities in those cities and will select at least one host in each city. In some cities, such as Des Moines, MidAmerican could partner with several hosts.

 

Through these agreements, MidAmerican will purchase and own the charging stations. Los Angeles-based Greenlots will install and maintain them and provide payment systems at host locations. Site hosts set their own usage fees, consistent with state laws and regulations.

 

“This next phase takes MidAmerican customers and our state to the next level,” Andrew Lewis, MidAmerican’s electric vehicle infrastructure program manager, said. “When we first launched our EV fast-charging network plan last year, our goal was to help address range anxiety by building charging stations within about 50 miles of each other and along major corridors. With this next phase, we’re adding convenience for drivers and new opportunities for communities we serve.”

 

New fast chargers & ultra-fast charger locations through next year
The company plans to add seven 50 kW DC fast charging stations and 25 150 kW DC ultra-fast charging stations, with two chargers per station. Fast chargers can generally provide an electric vehicle with an 80% charge in less than 40 minutes. Ultra-fast chargers can provide the same charge in half the time, depending on certain factors.

 

MidAmerican is seeking site hosts for EV charging facilities in the following cities: Adel, Ankeny, Bettendorf, Charles City, Colfax, Correctionville, Council Bluffs, Cumming, Davenport, Des Moines, Grimes, Iowa City, Johnston, Latimer, Le Claire, Le Mars, Missouri Valley, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Sioux City, St. Charles, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines.

 

Site host applications are available at www.midamericanenergy.com/ev. The application deadline is October 30.

 

"We’re honored to be a part of MidAmerican’s second phase EV charging expansion in Iowa,” said Jeff Tolnar, Chief Commercial Officer of Greenlots. “MidAmerican is leading the way in the Midwest to accelerate EV charging infrastructure and Greenlots’ advanced solutions are enabling grid management and an enhanced driver experience."

 

Sites now operating or in development this year
MidAmerican launched fast charging stations in Altoona, Clarinda, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Sheldon and Waterloo, and a site is under construction in Oskaloosa. The company opened ultra-fast chargers in Avoca, Davenport, De Soto, Early, Fort Dodge and Waterloo. Three more sites are in development, including locations in Sioux City, Ankeny and Iowa City. Drivers can locate the nearest charger, check their charging status and pay from their phone through the Greenlots mobile app.

 

Electric vehicle and charger rebates
To further promote EV adoption in Iowa, MidAmerican offers its customers EV and charging station rebates.

 

The company provides $500 rebates to its residential customers who buy or lease a new EV.

 

The company also offers $1,500 rebates to its business customers that purchase “level 2” charging stations, which generally charge vehicles in 4-8 hours.

 

Rebate information is available on the company’s website at MidAmericanEnergy.com/ev.