Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has released the Colorado Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan, which details a series of actions supporting EV infrastructure, and lays out goals to accelerate adoption of EVs.

Colorado currently ranks 8th in the US in EV market share, and 7th for number of EVs per capita. As of October 2017, there were almost 12,000 plug-in vehicles in Colorado – over the first eight months of the year, sales were up 73%.

Despite the recent growth, lack of public charging, particularly fast charging along major transportation corridors, remains a major barrier to greater adoption. In a survey of current and potential EV drivers, respondents indicated that there are numerous locations in Colorado they are less likely to travel to due to a lack of charging, and half cited lack of charging availability as a significant factor in the decision not to purchase an EV.
The Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan has five key action areas:

• Create strategies and partnerships to build out EV fast charging corridors.
• Coordinate with Regional Electric Vehicle West memorandum of understanding states on Intermountain electric corridor.
• Develop strategic partnerships with utilities, local governments, and other stakeholders.
• Update signage and wayfinding requirements to include EV fast charging.
• Ensure economic and tourism benefits and increase access for all Coloradans.

“The Colorado EV Plan serves as a roadmap to build out a fast charging network, giving Coloradans the ability to travel anywhere in the state in an EV,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “The plan includes a set of goals and strategies that ensure Colorado continues leading in adoption of EVs and leverages the economic development and tourism benefits.”

Source: Colorado Governor’s Office via Green Car Congress