Change in State Law Prompts City Fee on Public Electric Vehicle Charging

OCT. 3, 2023

Due to a change in Iowa law that added a tax on non-residential electric vehicle charging stations, the City of Dubuque will begin requiring a fee at its public charging stations. 

The City will charge $0.17 per kilowatt hour at its three charging stations inside the Intermodal Parking Ramp, 351 E. 9th Street, beginning on Monday, October 9. Based on usage so far in 2023, the cost to the average user will be about $2.63, not including parking fees.

The charging fee comes as a result of the implementation of House File 767, which was passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2019. The law established an excise tax on electronic vehicle charging at non-residential locations. The State began collecting the tax on July 1, 2023. 

Previously, the City had not required payment for charging at the Intermodal Ramp stations, but did require users to download an app and register a credit or debit card. The new fee will help cover administrative costs associated with the app, electricity usage, as well as recoup the City’s state tax payments.

The City’s current supply of electric vehicle charging stations allows up to six vehicles to charge simultaneously. The charging stations were installed in 2015. Usage of the stations has increased nearly 150% from the beginning of 2022 to present.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Gina Bell, Sustainability Director
GBell@cityofdubuque.org, (563) 690-6038