Polis Administration Celebrates EV Fast-Charging Corridors Program, Expanding Convenient Charging for Drivers Across Colorado

WHEAT RIDGE - Today, Governor Polis, alongside Colorado Energy Office (CEO) Executive Director Will Toor, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Executive Director Shoshana Lew, ChargePoint Sr. Director of Regulatory Policy and Programs Justin Wilson, and local leaders, celebrated the completion of the EV Fast-Charging Corridors program, a major step in advancing Colorado's statewide electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network that will make EV travel more convenient and cost-effective for EV owners in Colorado.

The State dedicated more than $10 million to the program, which has installed 33 fast chargers at key locations across Colorado, including along major transportation routes. More than $2 million in private and local government investment also supported the buildout of these charging stations.

"Colorado is leading the nation in EV sales and making EV travel more affordable and convenient for everyone. Colorado's growing network of charging stations allows EV owners to travel with confidence knowing that there will be a place to get a quick charge at the store, going to and from work, or traveling across the state," said Gov. Polis.

Governor Polis stands behind podium at EV event

Established in 2018, the EV Fast-Charging Corridors program has helped lay the foundation for the state's EV fast-charging network, which continues to expand through significant federal, state, local, and private investment. To date, there are more than 1,100 fast-charging and 4,400 Level 2 ports available across the state. The State expects about 400 more state and federally funded fast-charging ports to open in the next year through the Fast-Charging Plazas Grant program.

"The EV Fast-Charging Corridors program has filled important gaps in Colorado's fast charging network, enabling Coloradans to drive all over the state in EVs," said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. "Our ongoing commitment to and investment in EV charging, alongside our generous EV purchase incentives, have made Colorado a national leader in EV adoption. We look forward to continuing our work to save Coloradans money on transportation costs while ensuring cleaner air across the state."

"Almost 80% of the state highway network is now within 30 miles of a DC fast charger," said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, which helped fund the Corridors program. "We're getting very close to accomplishing our goal of creating a Colorado where anyone can drive anyplace in the state they want, regardless of what type of vehicle they have."

The Colorado Energy Office partnered with ChargePoint to install fast chargers in the following locations:

• Western Slope: Craig, Dinosaur, Durango (x2), Granby, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Rifle, Steamboat Springs, Vail
• Front Range: Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Canon City, Conifer, Dacono, Estes Park, Fairplay, Georgetown, Greeley, Pueblo, Wellington, Westminster, Wheat Ridge
• Eastern Plains: Burlington, La Junta, Lamar, Limon, Sterling
• Other regions: Alamosa, Salida

"This project is a testament to the leadership we're seeing across the country at a state level to accelerate the build out of a robust charging network for all EV drivers," said Rick Wilmer, CEO at ChargePoint. "Public-private partnerships such as our relationship with the Colorado Energy Office continue to play a critical role in building out charging infrastructure. Together, we are ensuring drivers across the state are able to charge quickly at convenient locations."

As of May 2023, 17 of the state's 26 Scenic & Historic byways are considered electric byways, with nine chargers funded through the Corridors program enabling this designation.

"Colorado Democrats are committed to addressing the climate crisis, which is why in recent years we've passed legislation to make it more accessible for all Coloradans to transition to a clean energy future," said Senator-elect Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. "Thanks to the progress we've made, it's now easier than ever for Coloradans to make the switch to electric vehicles, but our infrastructure must be able to meet the new demands of having more EVs on the road. The completion of the new EV charging network will help ensure EV owners are able to travel around the state efficiently and without having to think twice about where they'll be able to charge up and get back on the road."

"Colorado's leadership in building out a robust EV fast-charging network is a huge milestone for ensuring that everyone-from rural residents to urban renters-has equitable access to the benefits of electric transportation, including cleaner air, reduced transportation costs, and greater mobility options," said Rewiring America's Senior Western Regional Policy Manager, Rebecca Curry. "Through this program, Colorado is addressing rising consumer demand, fostering healthier communities, and unlocking economic opportunities statewide. Having more reliable access to fast chargers will undoubtedly strengthen local economies and empower Coloradans to take charge of their choices without sacrificing convenience or affordability."

Colorado is the national leader in EV sales, with electric vehicles making up 25.3% of new car sales in the 3rd quarter of 2024. With tens of millions of dollars in State and federal investment, the State is committed to expanding public fast-charging infrastructure along major transportation routes so that drivers can seamlessly go about their daily routines and rely on convenient charging for every journey.

In addition to the Fast-Charging Corridors and Plazas programs, the state also offers funding for public EV charging infrastructure through the Charge Ahead Colorado grant program.

Governor Polis standing next to ChargePoint Charger at Target Wheat Ridge

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