Colorado Awards $5 Million in State Grants to Expand EV Fast-Charging Infrastructure Amid Federal Hurdles
Key Insights
Colorado has allocated $5 million in state grants to fund 56 new fast-charging ports at nine locations, expanding its public EV network by 4%.
This state-funded initiative addresses federal funding pauses and supports Colorado's goal of accommodating 940,000 light-duty EVs by 2030.
New chargers from Helios Charging, eCAMION USA, Electric Era Technologies, and Tesla are expected to be available by 2026 and 2027.
The program prioritizes equitable access to clean transportation benefits by focusing on disproportionately impacted communities.
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has announced a significant allocation of $5 million in state grants to expand the state's electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure. This seventh round of the Direct-Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas Program will fund 56 new fast-charging ports across nine strategic locations, projected to increase Colorado's existing public fast-charger network by approximately 4%. The new ports are anticipated to become operational in 2026 and 2027.
Governor Jared Polis emphasized the state's commitment to supporting EV adoption, noting that the grants are crucial for making EV use more affordable and accessible for Coloradans. This funding round exclusively utilizes state funds, a strategic pivot due to pauses in federal funding for such initiatives. Will Toor, Executive Director of the Colorado Energy Office, underscored the importance of this state-led effort, stating, "More than ever, we are facing daunting federal hurdles in our efforts to make electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure accessible for every Coloradan." He added that the transition to EVs lowers costs, improves air quality, and helps achieve greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals.
Since its inception, the DCFC Plazas Program has completed 13 sites across the state, contributing to Colorado's current public network of over 1,400 fast-charging ports. The CEO's long-term vision aims to support 940,000 light-duty EVs on Colorado roads by 2030, a target that necessitates continuous infrastructure expansion. A key focus of the program is prioritizing projects in disproportionately impacted communities, ensuring that the environmental and economic benefits of electric transportation are equitably distributed.
Grant recipients in this round include Helios Charging, which will develop sites in Ridgway and Fairplay; eCAMION USA, Inc., with projects in Denver, Mancos, Naturita, and Woodland Park; Electric Era Technologies, Inc., establishing chargers in Commerce City and Denver; and Tesla, Inc., expanding its presence in Glendale. These installations are critical steps toward building a robust, reliable, and accessible EV charging ecosystem throughout Colorado, reinforcing the state's leadership in sustainable energy transition.