Revolutionizing the way Coloradans power their vehicles, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) have unveiled a monumental step in the state’s journey towards sustainable transportation. With a $21 million injection into the Direct-Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas program, Colorado is set to soar as a beacon for Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, thanks to funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, a pivotal component of President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, alongside the state’s Community Access Enterprise (CAE).

This groundbreaking initiative marks the installation of 290 new fast charger ports spread across 46 different sites statewide, heralding a remarkable 28% expansion in Colorado’s existing public fast-charger network, which already boasts over 1,000 ports. Governor Polis, an ardent advocate for sustainable transportation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Colorado is leading the way in the shift to electric vehicles by making them more affordable and ensuring that driving them across our beautiful state is just as easy as driving a gas-powered car.”

Executive Director Will Toor echoed this sentiment, affirming that addressing transportation-related greenhouse gas pollution stands as a top priority in Colorado’s climate agenda. He emphasized the critical role of this grant program in supporting the state’s ambition to accommodate 940,000 light-duty EVs on Colorado roads by 2030.

The benefits of this initiative extend far and wide, with awardees slated to install chargers in key locations including Cañon City, Littleton, Dolores, Silverton, Yuma, and Fort Garland. These strategic placements not only fill charging gaps along Colorado’s federally designated alternative fuel corridors but also extend support to communities lacking adequate EV infrastructure, underscoring the commitment to equitable access.

To ensure inclusivity, CEO prioritized projects in disproportionately impacted communities, fostering not only statewide travel convenience but also tangible improvements in air quality. Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Colorado is building one of the most comprehensive EV charging networks in the country.”

With over 100,000 EVs already registered in Colorado and adoption rates on the rise, the expansion of the charging network is not just a luxury but a necessity to meet burgeoning consumer demand. As of February, direct-current (DC) fast chargers were accessible within 30 miles of 78% of the state’s geographic area.

The grant recipients encompass a diverse array of stakeholders including charging station operators, fuel providers, convenience stores, and local governments, showcasing a collaborative effort towards sustainable mobility. Among the recipients are recognizable names such as Tesla, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, and Phillips 66 Company, reflecting the widespread industry involvement in this transformative endeavor.

CEO anticipates that many of the chargers supported by this funding round will be operational by the end of 2025, with plans for continued biannual funding rounds to sustain momentum. With each charging station installed, Colorado paves the way for a cleaner, greener future, driving towards a more sustainable and accessible transportation landscape for all its residents.

Click here to read the full article, originally published April 9, 2024, by Longmont Leader.