Colorado Added 270 Electric Vehicle Charging Ports
The state awarded $23.2 million in grants to build 35 new fast-charging sites for electric vehicle drivers.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Colorado has awarded $23.2 million in new grants to install 270 fast-charging ports across 35 locations. These projects are set to expand the state's existing network of 1,680 chargers by 16% as part of a push to improve travel infrastructure.
Why it matters
Expanding access to fast-charging ports reduces range anxiety for electric vehicle owners and improves connectivity along critical state highway corridors. This effort builds on a rapid increase in infrastructure, rising from 40% highway coverage in 2020 to 83% today.
The new grants provide $23.2 million for 270 fast-charging ports at 35 sites, including Aurora, Denver, Loveland, Saguache, Ignacio, and Holly. This brings the total program investment to $71.8 million since its inception.
The players
Colorado Energy Office
The state agency responsible for overseeing energy policy and managing the distribution of electric vehicle infrastructure grants.
Colorado Department of Transportation
The state authority that maintains highways and partners with energy officials to improve public access to fast-charging networks.
The details
The program utilizes funds from the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and Colorado's Community Access Enterprise to fill gaps in alternative fuel corridors. By prioritizing underserved areas and high-demand routes, the initiative aims to ensure that residents remain within 30 miles of a charger. Installations will be completed over the next two years to support the ongoing shift toward electric vehicle adoption.
Timeline
August 2020: 40% of the state highway network had fast-charging access within 30 miles.
September 22, 2026: Colorado announced the award of $23.2 million in new charging grants.
September 28, 2026: The next application period for the charging program opens.
September 2028: The newly funded charging projects are expected to be completed.
The Home Front
This development follows the guidelines set by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program to standardize charging gaps across state corridors. The investment marks a significant effort to bridge the 17% remaining gap in highway access to charging within 30 miles.
Electric vehicle owners should monitor the progress of new charging sites in Aurora, Denver, Loveland, Saguache, Ignacio, and Holly as these projects come online by 2028. You can plan future road trips with greater confidence as these 270 new ports close remaining gaps in your regional highway network.
The takeaway
Colorado is significantly accelerating its charging network to ensure drivers are rarely more than 30 miles from a fast-charging port. Owners should track project updates in their local area to see how new installations may simplify upcoming travel logistics.
What happens next
The next application period for the Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas program opens on September 28, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local charging initiatives and state infrastructure goals in the Electric Vehicles section.
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