MidAmerican Energy Co., an electric utility serving more than 783,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, says it plans to construct public-access electric vehicle fast-charging stations in five Iowa cities by the end of this year, and 13 more next year, including nearly a dozen “ultra-fast” chargers.
By the end of December, MidAmerican Energy will begin to install 50 kW DC fast-chargers in Clarinda, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Sheldon and Waterloo. Next year, the company will install 50 kW chargers in Altoona and Carroll.
Also next year, MidAmerican Energy plans to install 160 kW DC ultra-fast chargers in more heavily traveled corridors in Avoca, Davenport, Early, Fort Dodge and Waterloo.
MidAmerican Energy is working with other communities for six additional sites, including two near Des Moines, which the company will announce when it finalizes agreements.
DC fast-chargers, with two charging plugs per station, can generally provide an electric vehicle with an 80% charge in less than 40 minutes. DC ultra-fast chargers can provide the same charge in half the time, depending on certain factors.
MidAmerican Energy has contracted with Los Angeles-based Greenlots to install charging stations and provide payment systems at host locations. MidAmerican Energy will establish and maintain the charging stations while the site hosts will operate them. Customers pay the usage fee, set by the site host and consistent with state laws and regulations, through a payment card or Greenlots app.
The 18 charging stations will be within MidAmerican Energy’s service territory, with a focus on the Interstate 80, Interstate 29 and Highway 20 corridors. The chargers will be compatible with nearly all electric vehicles.
The company provides $500 rebates to residential customers who buy or lease a new electric vehicle, and $1,500 rebates to businesses that purchase Level 2 charging stations, which generally charge electric vehicles in 4-8 hours.