Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

At least 10% of new vehicles purchased by institutions under the control of the state fleet director, including the Iowa Department of Transportation, Board of Directors of Community Colleges, Board of Regents, Commission for the Blind, and Department of Corrections must be capable of operating on alternative fuels. Alternative fuels include E85, B20, natural gas, propane, and electricity. Vehicles and trucks purchased and directly used for law enforcement and off-road maintenance work are exempt from this requirement.

The state fleet must fuel diesel vehicles with biodiesel blends between 2% and 99%, and gasoline vehicles with ethanol blends between 15% and 85%. This requirement does not apply if such blends are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the vehicle manufacturer. Additional exemptions apply. Vehicles that use the biodiesel and ethanol blends must display a brightly colored, highly visible renewable fuel sticker. Beginning July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the Iowa Department of Administrative Services must publish a report detailing the use of ethanol and biodiesel blends in state fleet vehicles.

(Reference Iowa Code 89A.360, 8A.362, 8A.368, 216B.3, 260C.19A, 262.25A, 307.21 and 904.312A and House File 2128, 2022)

Biodiesel Fuel Use

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) may purchase biodiesel for use in IDOT vehicles through the biodiesel fuel revolving fund created in the state treasury. The fund consists of money received from the sale of Energy Policy Act of 1992 credits IDOT has banked and other income IDOT has obtained or accepted for deposit in the fund. (Reference Iowa Code 307.20)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Demonstration Grant Authorization

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Department) may award demonstration grants to individuals who purchase vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, including but not limited to E85, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electricity, solar energy, or hydrogen. Individuals may use the grants to conduct research connected with the fuel or vehicle. Grant funding to purchase the vehicle is available if the Department retains the title of the vehicle, the vehicle is used for research, and the proceeds from the eventual sale of the vehicle are used for additional research. Grants are subject to funding availability. (Reference Iowa Code 214A.19)

Renewable Fuel Labeling Requirement

Biodiesel, biobutanol, and ethanol blend dispensers must be affixed with decals identifying the type of fuel blend. If fuel blends containing more than 10% ethanol are being dispensed, the decal must include the statement: "For Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only." The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (Department) may approve applications to place a decal in a special location on a pump with special lettering or colors that are clear and conspicuous to the consumer. (Reference Iowa Code 214A.16)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Conversion Registration

When a motor vehicle is modified to use a different fuel type or more than one type of fuel, the vehicle's registered owner must notify the county treasurer of the new fuel type or alternative fuel types within 30 days. If the vehicle is able to use a special fuel, the county treasurer will issue a special fuel identification sticker. (Reference Iowa Code 321.41)

Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways

Low-speed vehicles may operate on roadways with posted speed limits of up to 35 miles per hour (mph) and may cross streets with posted speed limits greater than 35 mph. (Reference Iowa Code 321.381A)

Biofuel Infrastructure Grants

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides financial assistance to qualified 70%-85% ethanol (E85) or dual 15% ethanol (E15) and biodiesel retailers. Cost-share grants are available to upgrade or install new E85 or dual E15 and biodiesel infrastructure. Three-year cost-share grants are available for up to 50% of the total cost of the total project, up to $30,000. Five-year cost-share grants are available for up to 70% of the total cost of the project, up to $50,000.

Biodiesel distributors may apply for cost-share grants for infrastructure upgrades and installations at biodiesel terminal facilities. Facilities blending or dispensing blends ranging from 2% biodiesel (B2) to 98% biodiesel (B98) are eligible for up to 50% of the total project, up to $50,000. Facilities blending or dispensing B99 or B100 are eligible for up to 50% of the total project, up to $100,000.

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board receives administrative support from staff within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and has the authority to determine the eligibility of applicants. For more information, refer to the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program website.

(Reference Iowa Code 159A.13-159A.15)

Biodiesel Blend Retailer Tax Credit

Retailers selling biodiesel blends containing a minimum of 5% biodiesel (B5) are eligible for a state income tax credit of $0.035 per gallon of biodiesel sold. Biodiesel blends containing a minimum of 11% biodiesel (B11) are eligible for a state income tax of $0.055 per gallon sold. The tax credit expires December 31, 2027.

(Reference Iowa Code 422.11P)

E85 Fuel Exclusivity Contract Regulations

Any motor fuel franchisor must provide for the delivery of E85 as requested by the motor fuel dealer or allow the franchisee to purchase E85 from another source. (Reference Iowa Code 323A)

Alternative Fuel Production Tax Credits

The High Quality Jobs Program offers state tax incentives to business projects for the production of biomass or alternative fuels. Incentives may include an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of the qualifying investment, amortized over five years; a refund of state sales, service, or use taxes paid to contractors or subcontractors during construction; an increase of the state's refundable research activities credit; and a local property tax exemption of up to 100% of the value added to the property. For more information, refer to the High Quality Jobs Program website. (Reference Iowa Code 15.335 and 422.10)

E85 Retailer Tax Credit

Retail stations dispensing gasoline fuel blends of E85 for use in motor vehicles may be eligible for a tax credit in the amount of $0.16 per gallon sold. The tax credit expires after December 31, 2027. Eligible taxpayers may also claim the mid-level ethanol blend retailer tax credit for the same tax year.

(Reference Iowa Code 422.11O)

Ethanol Blend Dispenser Requirement

An ethanol retailer selling a blend of at least 9% ethanol by volume must use gasoline storage and dispensing infrastructure that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and state fire marshal have determined is compatible with the ethanol blend being dispensed. Exceptions may apply.

A gasoline retailer that replaces or converts gasoline storage and dispensing infrastructure to store and dispense a gasoline blend of 15% ethanol by volume (E15) or higher must guarantee the infrastructure is also capable of storing and dispensing E85.

(Reference Iowa Code 455G.31 and Iowa House File 2128, 2022)

Mid-Level Ethanol Blend Retailer Tax Credit

Retail stations dispensing mid-level blends of ethanol, between 15% (E15) and 69% (E69), for use in motor vehicles may be eligible for a tax credit. Credit amounts vary by date. The tax credit expires December 31, 2024.

(Reference Iowa Code 214A.1 and 422.11Y)

Biofuel Specifications

Ethanol-blended gasoline must conform to ASTM D4814, E85 must conform to ASTM D4806, and biodiesel-blended fuel containing at least 6%, but no more than 20%, biodiesel must conform to ASTM D7467. Biodiesel blended fuel containing more than 20% biodiesel must conform to standards set by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Additionally, biobutanol must be an agriculturally derived isobutyl alcohol that meets ASTM D7862 for butanol for blending with gasoline for use as a motor fuel. Gasoline blended with biobutanol must conform to ASTM D4814. The state defers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for potential changes in specifications.

(Reference Iowa Code 214A.2 and Iowa House File 2128, 2022)

Alternative Fuel Tax

Alternative fuels used as vehicle fuel are taxed as follows:

• Compressed natural gas is subject to the state fuel excise tax of $0.31 per gasoline gallon equivalent, measured at 5.66 pounds (lbs.) or 126.67 cubic feet at a base temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of 14.73 lbs. per square inch;
• Liquefied natural gas is subject to the excise tax of $0.325 per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE), measured at 6.06 lbs.;
• Propane is subject to the excise tax of $0.30 per gallon;
• E85 is subject to the excise tax of $0.290 per gallon;
• B20 is subject to the excises tax of $0.295 per gallon;
• B100 is subject to the excise tax of $0.325 per gallon;
• Hydrogen is subject to the excise tax of $0.65 per DGE, measured at 2.49 lbs.; and
• Effective July 1, 2023, electricity will be subject to the excise tax of $0.026 per kilowatt-hour of fuel delivered or placed into a battery or other energy storage device of an electric motor vehicle at any location in Iowa other than a residence.

(Reference Iowa Code 452A.2, 452A.3, and 452A.86)

Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption

Any motor vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) or other idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, single axle, tandem axle, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the weight of the technology. To be eligible for the weight exemption, the vehicle operator must be able to provide written proof or certification of the weight of the APU or idle reduction technology and demonstrate or certify that the technology is functional at all times.

NGVs may exceed the weight limits by an amount equal to the difference of the weight of the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV must not exceed a maximum gross vehicle weight of 82,000 lbs. (Reference Iowa Code 321.463)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Study

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa utility industry, conducted a study of EV charging infrastructure to evaluate costs and benefits associated with different options for EV infrastructure support. IEDA submitted the study report to the general assembly in February 2019. For more information, see the IEDA Energy Plans and Reports website.

Diesel Emission Reduction Project Funding

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) provides funding for the replacement, retrofit, or conversion of medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) on-road diesel vehicles with new diesel or alternative fuel vehicles. Grants are also available for off-road diesel vehicle replacements and repowers. Grants are available for MHD school buses, transit buses, and trucks. Non-road vehicles and equipment may also be eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include government, nonprofit, and private entities that own or operate diesel fleets and equipment. Additional restrictions apply. This grant program is partially funded by Iowa’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including eligible vehicles, see the IowaDOT Diesel Emission Reduction Act Website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Fee

EV owners must pay an annual fee in addition to standard registration fees. All-electric EV owners must pay an annual fee of $130 and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $65.

(Reference Iowa Code 321.116)

Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Operation Requirements

An AV may be operated without direct control of the driver on public highways if it is capable of operating in compliance with all applicable motor vehicle and traffic laws and can reach a reasonably safe state, such as bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, in the event that the automated driving system fails. If a driver is present, the driver must be licensed. Other conditions apply. (Reference Iowa Code 321.514-321.517)

Electricity Dealer License

Beginning on July 1, 2023, a person may not sell or dispense electricity as a vehicle fuel at a location other than a residence or otherwise act as a licensed electricity fuel dealer or user unless the person holds a valid license issued by the Iowa Department of Revenue (Department). To obtain a license, a person must file an application with the Department. (Reference House File 767, 2019, and Iowa Code 452A.42)

Biofuel Quality Program

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship must establish and administer programs to audit motor fuel facilities, including biofuel processing and production plants, to screen and test motor fuel, including renewable fuel, and to inspect motor fuel sold by dealers, including retail motor fuel dealers. Biofuels include ethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel. Renewable fuel is defined as a combustible liquid derived from biomass or produced from a biogas source, such as biofuel and biofuel blended with gasoline. (Reference Iowa Code 214A.1 and 214A.2C)

Public Utility Definition

An entity providing electricity for the purpose of electric vehicle charging is not considered a public utility. Regulated public utilities cannot prohibit or restrict the sale of electricity at an electric vehicle charging station.

(Reference 199 Iowa Administrative Code Rule 20.20(476))

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate – MidAmerican Energy

MidAmerican Energy offers residential customers a rebate of $500 for the purchase or lease of a new EV. For more information, see the MidAmerican Energy Electric Vehicle Rebates website.

Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – MidAmerican Energy

MidAmerican energy offers commercial customers a rebate of $1,500 for the purchase of Level 2 EV charging stations for public and workplace charging. Eligible EV charging stations must be installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. For more information, including additional eligibility requirements, see the MidAmerican Energy EV Rebates website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support

Iowa utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.

Iowa's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) beginning August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plan must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about Iowa’s NEVI planning process, see the Iowa DOT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment website. To review Iowa’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.

Retail E15 Access Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2026, retail gasoline fueling stations must advertise and sell E15 from at least one gasoline dispenser. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship may refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke retail fuel licenses for failure to comply with access requirements. Additional requirements and exemptions may apply.

(Reference Iowa House File 2128, 2022 and Iowa Code 214A.31-214A.37)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) provides grants for projects that benefit Iowa ratepayers and support the implementation of the Iowa Energy Plan, including the purchase of AFVs. Eligible applicants include Iowa businesses, colleges and universities, private and nonprofit organizations. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the IEDA Iowa Energy Center Grant Program website.

(Reference Iowa Administrative Code 261.404)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Funding

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) provides funding for publicly accessible Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. This grant program is funded by Iowa’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply, see the IowaDOT Volkswagen Clean Air Act Partial Settlements website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebates - Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC)

Members of IAEC may offer rebates to residential and commercial customers for the installation of qualifying Level 2 EV charging stations. Local cooperatives that may currently offer these incentives include:

• Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative
• Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative
• Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association
• Consumers Energy
• Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative
• Farmers Electric Cooperative
• Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative
• Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative
• Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative
• Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
• Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative
• Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative
• Midland Power Cooperative
• MiEnergy Cooperative
• Pella Cooperative Electric Association
• Prairie Energy Cooperative
• Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative
• Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative
• T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative
• Western Iowa Power Cooperative

For more information, including a full list of member cooperatives and available incentives, see the IAEC website.