Durango City Council approves funding for city’s first-ever electric vehicle fast-charging station
DURANGO, Colo. – In its latest move to promote the local use of electric vehicles, Durango City Council yesterday approved $10,997 in funds for Durango’s first-ever electric vehicle DC fast-charging station. With a total cost of $306,578, this project will leverage funding from the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), and ChargePoint.
The DC fast-charging station will be located in the Durango Transit Center parking lot next to two of the existing Level 2 EV charging stations. It will allow up to two vehicles to charge simultaneously, delivering a full charge in approximately 20 minutes. By comparison, the Level 2 charger takes roughly four hours to deliver a full charge. The station is expected to be operational by June of 2021.
The fast-charging station will be part of a network of fast charging “corridors” developed across the state by the Colorado Energy Office and will help make electric vehicles a more reliable and convenient option for both local and visitors.
“With transportation accounting for approximately 28 percent of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles alongside a transition to clean electricity will be critical to achieving the city’s adopted emissions reduction goals,” said Imogen Ainsworth, city of Durango Sustainability Coordinator.
The city of Durango and LPEA are working together to develop an EV Readiness Plan to help residents and visitors make the switch to electric vehicles, saving money and reducing pollution along the way. The plan considers EV charging infrastructure, LPEA fleet electrification, and the public adoption of EVs.
“This project hits many of LPEA’s operational objectives by supporting our community, reducing emissions, and boosting beneficial electrification,” said LPEA CEO Jessica Matlock. “To support the growth of the EV market, we must first start with the infrastructure, and that takes partnerships. Working with the city to achieve joint goals that benefit our community has been a pleasure. We look forward to continued collaboration.”
As of January 1, nearly 33,000 EVs were registered in Colorado. The Colorado Energy Office predicts the state will have more than 800,000 EVs on the road by 2030, representing a 12 percent market share.
To learn more about city of Durango electric vehicle initiatives, visit DurangoGov.org/1738/Electric-Vehicles
LPEA is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative of 22 in Colorado, and aims to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to its approximately 34,500 members. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit lpea.coop
For more information contact:
Hillary Knox, LPEA VP of Member Experience
T: (970)749-6378 E: [email protected]
Imogen Ainsworth, City of Durango Sustainability Coordinator
T: (970) 75-5061 E: [email protected]
Post courtesy of LPEA
