The city of Ames recently received a silver designation from the Charging Smart program for achieving policies facilitating the expansion of electric vehicles. 

Charging Smart, an organization led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), recognizes Ames as the first city in Iowa to receive a designation. 

“The city of Ames continues to explore new EV charging station locations and add to our growing inventory of charges,” City of Ames Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan stated in the release.

The city has installed 11 electric charging stations throughout the community. Several others are located around the city at various businesses. 

According to Sagan, the city of Ames also offers a rebate to customers who install charging stations in their homes. 

In order to accept the designation, city officials adopted policies that support the installation of EV chargers throughout the jurisdiction. The city has also completed a fleet analysis and is examining the process of municipal fleet electrification.