DES MOINES, Iowa — Twenty-eight electric charging stations that were due along Iowa interstates are now halted, limiting local electric vehicle drivers.

President Trump pulled the plug on the US DOT Federal Highway Administration federal grant program which helps states expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This grant had previously given Iowa $16.2 million to build 28 electric stations.

These stations would run along Iowa Interstates 29, 25, 80, and 380. Running through high traffic areas such as Altoona, Des Moines, Ames, and the “World’s Largest Truckstop” located on I-80. The stations were due to be placed near hotels, gas stations, and travel centers to improve accessibility.

As of June 2023, the Iowa DOT estimates there are more than 12,000 electric vehicles in Iowa, with at least one in each county. There are currently 270 electric charging stations registered in Iowa. Local electric vehicle owners say that’s not enough.

Morgan Ogg went electric in December and says while there are several pros and cons, a big issue is charging availability.

“Most of the time when I pull up to one of these charging stations, there’s about four vehicles here with me,” said Ogg. “When you’re seeing six chargers, imagine the increase in electric drivers, how spots are having to wait for cars to charge up.”

Ogg commutes from Gilbert and was looking forward to a possible Interstate 35 location.

“Between home and here, that would be great, I wouldn’t have to come out this direction. I actually drive about two miles in the wrong direction to find a fast charger,” said Ogg.

Some were prepared for the increase in charging stations and had planned on them when switching to an electric vehicle.

“I was hoping that the infrastructure would improve, and we’d have more and more chargers because I live in the Drake neighborhood, so the closest charger to me still like a 15-minute drive to coming at the high-speed charging,” said Jason Stuyvesant, who went electric in October. “So, I was really looking forward to some more in the area.”

While the public opinion on electric cars can often be pessimistic, Stuyvesant says he sees an increase in charging.

“I definitely, even in just four or five months I’ve had it, I’ve seen more and more electric cars showing up at the chargers,” said Stuyvesant.

Both drivers say they have electric chargers at home, but they take longer than public fast-charge stations. So, they often opt to make extra trips to the closest fast-charge station instead.