MidAmerican Energy to expand electric vehicle fast-charger network in Iowa

The Des Moines metro area will soon be more electric vehicle friendly, as MidAmerican Energy plans to expand its developing electric vehicle direct current fast-charging network by 32 sites by the end of 2022.

This will bring the total sites in the area to 50, but additional plans are underway for ultra fast chargers in other parts of Iowa. This will include seven 50 kW DC fast charging stations and 25 kW DC ultra-fast charging stations, with two chargers attached to each station. To achieve this, MidAmerican is pursuing agreements in targeted cities, with more than half in the Des Moines area. At least one host will be pulled from each city, with several focused in Des Moines.

While they will be installed and maintained by Greenlots, MidAmerican will buy and own the stations. However, station hosts will be able to set their own usage fees but are bound by 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.”

Sites are being sought in 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. All applications are due by Oct. 30.