MidAmerican Energy Co. today announced plans to begin constructing publicly accessible 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-kilowatt direct-current 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. The utility company said it is working with other communities for six additional sites, including two near Des Moines, which it will announce when it finalizes agreements.

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.

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.

In late July, MidAmerican Energy announced the first-of-its-kind effort in Iowa to build a fast-charger network throughout the state. The company chose locations within roughly 50 miles of each other to address electric vehicle range anxiety and to promote electric vehicle adoption statewide. 

To see a list of the planned charging station locations, click here.