Electric Vehicles

We're investing in EV technology. Learn how an electric vehicle might benefit you!

The Electric Vehicle Advantage

Our first electric vehicle (EV1) hit the road in 2020 and is on a mission to educate the public on the benefits and advantages of electric vehicles (EVs)! In 2023, MPW added two additional EUVs to our fleet and are expecting our first EV pickup truck to join the fleet in early 2024 and larger utility vehicles as they become available. The demand for electric vehicles continues to grow throughout the country and in our local area, as interest in clean technology grows and we want to ensure you have some good information about EVs to help you decide if investing in an EV is right for you.

MPW is investing in EV technology not only because interest in it continues to grow but also because it’s a cleaner technology that reduces emissions, will save the Utility money on fuel purchases, and nationally, helps our country have a greater diversity of fuel choices, reduces emissions, which contribute to climate change and reduces ecological damage. If any of these things are important to you, we encourage you to read on!

Save Money On Transportation

Did you know that EVs can save you money on fuel costs? They offer lower costs on “fueling” than the average conventional vehicles by using electricity to charge (fuel) the special battery that the car operates on instead of gas.

Based on gas at $3.99 per gallon and 24 MPG gas-powered vehicle vs. local electric rate of 13¢ per kWh

Interested in calculating the overall cost of EV ownership? Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Vehicle Cost Calculator to calculate and customize the overall cost of EV ownership based on your personal circumstances or use the Choose EV calculator below.

EV Savings Calculator

Charge and Go – Easy Ways to Charge an EV

Charging an EV is convenient! Rather than standing at a pump filling up with gas or diesel, charging an EV often takes place while sleeping, not to mention that you’ll no longer have to breath in toxic fumes from pumping gas/diesel. Understanding the different levels of charging an EV can help you evaluate whether an EV will be suitable for your driving needs. There are three main EV charger categories that are based on the maximum power the charger outputs to the battery:

Level 1 (the household outlet way to charge) – does not require installation of additional charging equipment, using a 120 V AC household plug. On average, delivers 2-5 miles of range per hour charged.
Level 2 (more common use for frequent drivers) – a 240 V (residential) or 208 V (commercial) plug is required along with additional charging equipment at this level. On average, delivers 10-20 miles of range per hour charged. This type of charger is generally used in homes, workplaces and at public charging stations.
DC Fast Charge (used most often in public charging stations) – this type of 480 V AC charger requires specialized, high-powered equipment and special equipment installed in the vehicle (be sure to ask a dealer about this before purchasing an EV if you’re interested in installing this type of charger at your home or business). On average, this type of charger delivers 60-80 miles of range per 20-minute charge.₂

Charge Locally and Nationally

Wondering where to charge your EV?

Apps we recommend to find charging stations:
PlugShare – shows charging stations locally and nationally, offers in-app payment (iOS, Android)
EV Connect – shows charging stations locally, offers in-app payment (iOS, Android)

MPW Public EV Charging Stations

MPW’s four EV charging stations are Level 2 chargers, are located at:

– MPW, 3205 Cedar St, Muscatine, IA 52761 (front parking lot)
– Musser Public Library, 408 E 2nd St, Muscatine, IA 52761
– The Merrill Hotel, 119 W Mississippi Dr, Muscatine, IA 52761 (west-side)
– Muscatine Mall, 1903 Park Avenue (east-side of Walgreens in the Mall lot)

*First hour is $0.03/kWh and $0.13/kWh after 60 minutes

Additionally, local and national EV Charging Stations can be found using mobile apps such as PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Electrify America, to name just a few.

This article, Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging, provides some great detailed information that may further aid in your decision-making process on what type of charger might best suit your needs.

Get even more facts at this EPA site: Electric Vehicle Myths | US EPA