DES MOINES, Iowa [WHO-TV]— Twenty-eight electric vehicle charging stations that were due along Iowa interstates are now halted, limiting local electric vehicle drivers options on where they can recharge their EV’s. President Trump pulled the plug on the US DOT Federal Highway Administration federal grant program which helps states expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The grant had previously given Iowa $16.2 million to build 28 electric stations.

The stations would have 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 near Walcott. The stations were due to be placed near hotels, gas stations, and travel centers to improve accessibility.

Electric charging station for electric vehicles in a mall parking lot.

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.