The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced today that they have awarded over $23 million in grant funding to accelerate the state’s electric‑vehicle (EV) fast‑charging network. The grants will support the installation of 270 new charging ports at 35 locations across Colorado, a step that the agencies say will increase the existing fast‑charging capacity by about 16 percent.
Funding sources and program goals
The money comes from the Direct Current Fast‑Charging Plazas initiative, which is financed by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and Colorado’s Community Access Enterprise. Together, the two agencies expect the program to generate roughly $71.8 million in total economic activity, creating the infrastructure needed for an estimated 795 new fast‑charging ports statewide.
CEO officials emphasized that the grant awards prioritize projects in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by limited charging access. By targeting underserved regions, the program aims to make EV travel more practical for families and commuters throughout the state, aligning with Colorado’s broader goals of reducing emissions and supporting clean‑energy transportation.
Project timeline and next steps
CDOT and CEO expect the funded projects to be completed within the next two years. A full list of grant recipients, including the specific sites and the number of ports each will receive, is available on the agencies’ websites. The agencies encourage local municipalities, utilities, and private partners to coordinate with them to ensure smooth permitting, construction, and operation of the new stations.
State officials also noted that the expanded network will help Colorado meet its ambitious climate targets, which call for a significant increase in zero‑emission vehicle adoption by 2030. By providing reliable, fast‑charging options along major corridors and in rural communities, the state hopes to remove one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership for many Coloradans.
Community impact
Local businesses stand to benefit from the increased traffic that fast‑charging stations bring to their neighborhoods. Restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores located near new charging sites can expect higher patronage from drivers who spend time waiting for their vehicles to charge. Moreover, the construction phase will create short‑term jobs in electrical work, civil engineering, and project management.
“Investing in EV infrastructure is an investment in Colorado families and our economy,” said a spokesperson for the Colorado Energy Office. “These grants will help ensure that every Coloradan, no matter where they live, has access to reliable fast‑charging, making clean transportation a realistic choice for more households.”
For more information about the grant program, including application guidelines and a detailed map of awarded sites, visit the Colorado Energy Office and CDOT websites.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
