Colorado Boosts EV Charging Infrastructure Amid Federal Delays
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Colorado is adding 56 new fast EV charging ports across the state through a $5 million round of grants aimed at expanding its public charging network, even as federal funding delays continue.
The money, announced this week by the Colorado Energy Office, comes exclusively from state sources as part of the DCFC Plazas program. It’s the program’s seventh round and underscores Colorado’s strategy to advance EV infrastructure projects independently of federal timelines. The nine new charging sites will be spread across both rural and urban areas, including Fairplay, Ridgway, Mancos, Commerce City, Denver, Woodland Park, Naturita, and Glendale.
These ports represent a 4% boost to Colorado’s current total of more than 1,400 public DC fast chargers, inching the state closer to its goal of supporting 940,000 light-duty EVs by 2030.
Grants in this round went to a mix of players, including Tesla, Helios Charging, eCAMION USA, and Electric Era Technologies. It’s another example of the state’s public-private model, which has emphasized competitive buildout while keeping state oversight in the loop.
That the entire round is state-funded is significant. Earlier deployments tapped federal sources like the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) program, but delays in federal disbursements prompted state agencies to take the lead. Colorado’s move reflects a stopgap strategy that doesn’t wait for Washington to catch up.
For the EV market, this sends a few signals:
- States aren’t hesitating to plug funding gaps when timelines slip.
- Fast charging growth continues in both dense corridors and underserved areas.
- Deployment remains consistent—even without federal matches.
Colorado’s model could offer a playbook for other states navigating federal gridlock. Expanding fast charging into rural regions is increasingly critical as the EV base diversifies geographically. With 2030 in sight, Colorado’s steady mix of state funding and private execution offers a practical path forward.
