Alternative Fuel Stations in Melrose, IA

Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Melrose, IA.

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)

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)

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;
• Hydrogen is subject to the excise tax of $0.65 per DGE, measured at 2.49 lbs.; and
• Electricity is 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)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Fee

PEV owners must pay an annual fee in addition to standard registration fees. All-electric vehicle (EV) owners must pay an annual fee of $97.50 and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners must pay an annual fee of $48.75. The EV fee will increase to $130 and the PHEV fee to $65 on January 1, 2022. (Reference Iowa Code 321.116)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rebate – MidAmerican Energy

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

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – MidAmerican Energy

MidAmerican energy offers commercial customers a rebate of $1,500 for the purchase of Level 2 EVSE for workplace charging. For more information, see the MidAmerican Energy Electric Vehicle Rebates website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Infrastructure Support

Iowa utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast (DC Fast) charging 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 DC fast charging sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.