Colorado Awarded $23.2 Million for Charging Infrastructure
The state funding will add 270 fast-charging ports across 35 locations to expand the electric vehicle network.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation have awarded $23.2 million in grants to install 270 new fast-charging ports. This investment will place new infrastructure at 35 sites throughout the state.
Why it matters
The grants aim to eliminate charging gaps along federally designated alternative fuel corridors. This expansion specifically targets areas with growing demand to support electric vehicle drivers across Colorado.
The 270 new ports represent a 16% increase to Colorado's existing 1,680 fast-charging stations. Currently, 83% of the state highway network sits within 30 miles of a charger, a significant rise from 40% coverage in August 2020.
The players
Colorado Energy Office
This state agency oversees energy-related policy and manages funding programs for clean energy infrastructure.
Colorado Department of Transportation
The state authority is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of the highway and transit systems in Colorado.
The details
Recipients will deploy the infrastructure in cities including Aurora, Denver, Loveland, Saguache, Ignacio, and Holly. Funding for these projects is sourced through the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and Colorado’s Community Access Enterprise.
Timeline
August 2020: 40% of the state highway network had fast-charging access.
September 22, 2026: Colorado announced the $23.2 million grant awards.
September 28, 2026: The next program application period opens.
September 2028: The new charging projects are expected to be completed.
Roadmap
These projects align with the broader national transition toward electric vehicles by closing critical connectivity gaps. The continued rollout reinforces the strategy to integrate clean energy transit into the established interstate and state highway systems.
Drivers in rural and underserved areas will see increased access to fast-charging ports, reducing range anxiety during long-distance travel. The expansion aims to make electric vehicle ownership more practical for residents across the entire state within the next two years.
The takeaway
Reliable charging infrastructure remains the primary hurdle for widespread electric vehicle adoption in the state. Drivers should monitor future rollout updates to plan routes as the network expands over the next two years.
What happens next
The next application period for the Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas program is scheduled to open on September 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the state's charging network expansion, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Live Poll
Do you support state governments using public funds to expand electric vehicle charging networks?
