Do you have a question about home energy efficiency, renewable energy, or local energy initiatives? Maybe there’s something that’s always been confusing, or unclear to you? Or a resource that’s hard to find? Submit your clean energy questions to the Winneshiek Energy District. Questions will be addressed in upcoming newsletters an on our blog.
Paul Cutting, Energy Planner If you’ve been following the national news about electric vehicles (EVs) lately, you might think things are quite dire. There’s concern of the Trump administration’s attempts to eliminate funding for the buildout of a national charging network, fear that tax credits will be eliminated, slowing sales amongst certain manufacturers, and eye-popping used vehicle depreciation. But the reality is far less bleak, if not outright positive. The
In the weeks to come WED will engage in a strategic planning process. Help us plan for the next several years of clean energy progress in Winneshiek County with this 6 minute survey. Your input will help us be as effective as possible in reaching WED’s mission to lead, implement and accelerate the locally-owned clean energy transition. No matter if you’re a long time follower, or new to our mission, your feedback
Many people wonder “Would an EV fit my lifestyle”? You know what they say: “There’s only one way to find out!” WED caught up with Mo Valko of Decorah to hear about her recent experience renting an EV for an east coast adventure. What was the make and model of your EV rental? MV: Chevy Bolt EV, year 2023 What inspired you to rent an EV instead of a gas
Hometown Taxi, a small community-minded taxi company based in Decorah, recently added its first electric vehicle to its fleet. Known for providing rides in and around Decorah and regional trips to places like Iowa City, Rochester, Des Moines and Madison, the company has long relied on its fleet of five Toyota Priuses and a hybrid Toyota Sienna to meet the needs of its customers. After years of considering a move
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. This Electric Vehicle Owner Story features a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Name: Philip Iversen Vehicle (Model and Year): 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid All Electric Range: The all-electric range was 13-14 miles when purchased in 2019. Now it’s 8-9 miles. Purchased on: July 25, 2019 How many miles do you
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. This Electric Vehicle Owner Story features a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a car that uses both gasoline and electricity as fuel. PHEVs have a battery, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine (ICE), and a gasoline tank.They can run on electric power
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. Name: Patrick Smith and Lor Miller Vehicle: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Purchased on: April 17, 2019 How many miles do you drive annually? 11,000 miles Thinking back to when you first considered an EV, what were your biggest concerns? Have those concerns lived up to what you had anticipated? My
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. Name: Zach & Stephanie Fromm Vehicle (Model and Year): 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Purchased on: July of 2023 used and under the $25,000 threshold to access the $4,000 tax credit. Electric Range: As a first year model and with 80,000 miles on it at the time of purchase, I assumed the
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. Name: David Wadsworth (Wadsworth Construction) Vehicle: 2023 F-150 Lightning XLT with extended range battery, which is rated for 320 miles. Purchased on: Dec. 1, 2023 How many miles do you drive annually? Approximately 25,000 between work and personal use, and the truck will serve both. Thinking back to when you