Colorado expands EV fast-charging network with $12m grant

DENVER — Colorado has received federal approval for the final $12 million of its $56.5 million allocation from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, bolstering efforts to expand the state’s fast-charging network as electric vehicle registrations surpass 200,000.

Governor Jared Polis said the additional funding will help the state continue building out charging infrastructure along major transportation routes. Colorado has already awarded nearly $25.6 million in NEVI funding to support 246 fast-charging ports statewide.

“When I said we were going to be one of the leading states for electric vehicles, I meant it,” Polis said. “More than 80 percent of Colorado’s highway system is now within 30 miles of a fast-charging station, complementing our high number of EV sales. EVs are fun, save people money and improve our air quality.”

The Colorado Energy Office plans to use the new funding, along with resources from the state’s Community Access Enterprise, to add roughly 100 new fast-charging ports through the upcoming round of its Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas Grant Program, which opens Oct. 27. Additional funding rounds are expected to expand access even further in the coming years.

Colorado’s charging network currently includes more than 5,000 Level 2 ports and 1,400 fast-charging ports, supporting hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors who drive electric.

“With transportation as a leading source of pollution in Colorado, widespread EV adoption is essential to achieve our climate goals,” said Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office. “It took 13 years to reach the first 100,000 EVs in Colorado and less than two years to double that.”

Colorado leads the nation in electric vehicle adoption, with EVs accounting for one in four new light-duty vehicle sales during the first half of 2025.

Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said the federal funding, combined with state resources, will help ensure fast-charging access in every part of the state.

“We want Coloradans to be confident that if they buy an EV, they can travel anywhere in the state,” Lew said. “By helping businesses strategically place charging stations in both urban centers and rural communities, we are building the infrastructure to support the traveling public.”

CDOT and the Colorado Energy Office have invested in charging stations from Cortez and Craig to Sterling and Limon. Charging is now available along major highways, scenic byways, and near recreation areas such as ski resorts and state and national parks.

Colorado’s locally driven approach aims to make travel across the state easy and environmentally responsible while supporting local economies. The state continues to offer incentives to make EVs more affordable. More information is available on the EV CO website.