Electric vehicles

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are cars and trucks that you can recharge using electricity. They offer emission-free driving. There are two main types:

1. All-Electric Vehicles (EVs): These run only on battery power.
2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These use both a battery and a gasoline engine to extend their driving range.

Benefits of EVs

Affordability

It’s cheaper to charge your electric vehicle than a visit to the gas pump (imagine driving back when gas was $1 a gallon). Also, with fewer moving parts and no oil changes, an electric vehicle requires fewer maintenance visits and lower repair costs.  

Electric vehicle batteries are required to have a 100,000-mile warranty. In fact, your first comprehensive service appointment can often be delayed until after 100,000 miles are driven. 

Fun

Electric vehicles can provide impressive acceleration and mind-blowing handling. Did you know the record for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is held by an all-electric vehicle?

Environmentally-friendly

Owning an electric vehicle means joining us on our quest to reduce harmful emissions and preserve Colorado Springs’ natural beauty and clean air.

EV charging

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer flexible fueling options. You can charge them at home, at work (if available), or at fast charging stations across the state. The speed at which your EV charges depends on the vehicle’s electronics, driving efficiency, and the power of the charger. You can charge your EV while you sleep or work, so you don’t have to wait like at a gas station. There are three levels of charging stations available:

• Level 1 chargers use a standard 110v wall outlet (12 amp), often included with your EV purchase. This is the slowest form of charging. It can meet your needs if you mainly travel short distances to work or for errands and have regular access to a charger.  Level 1 recharges your EV at around 5 miles in an hour; overnight this recovers 50 miles or more of travel. 
   
• Level 2 chargers use 220v and up to 80 amps and are much faster than Level 1. These are the typical stations located throughout the city and across the U.S. 
  You can also have a Level 2 charger installed in your home for fast, convenient charges. Charging at Level 2 will replenish from 12 to 80 miles per hour, depending on equipment. 
  *NOTE: Level 2 chargers sometimes require an upgrade to an older home’s electrical wiring.  
   
• Level 3 chargers use direct current electricity and high power (50 to 360kW) to provide the quickest charging. These types of charging station are not available to be installed in homes but can be found along highways to quickly top up when on road trips. Each minute plugged into these stations can provide between 2.5 and 11 miles of range, depending on EV model, in 20 minutes that’s 50 to 200 miles of range. 

Assess your charging needs

*IMPORTANT: Please consult with a licensed professional electrician familiar with home charging EV options before deciding on a home charging solution.

Public charging

To expand our community’s EV charging network, we installed chargers at our facilities and on the first floor of the City Administration Building parking garage downtown.

• Conservation & Environmental Center
  (Level 2 charger available 24 hours a day)
• John Pinkerton Service Center
  (Level 2 charger available Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Leon Young Service Center(Level 2 charger available 24 hours a day)
• City Administration Building Parking (DC fast charger available 24 hours a day)

To use a ChargePoint charger, you’ll need to create a ChargePoint account and then either use the mobile app or use the card that’s mailed to you to start a charging session.

How far can I drive on a single charge?

Under normal driving conditions, most current electric vehicles can travel an average of 260 miles on a full charge. Each vehicle is different with some trucks and cars topping 400 miles and 500 miles of travel range.

The average American only drives about 31 miles a day, so there are EVs to meet your daily needs.

If you’re planning a road trip, there are public charging stations located across the country. Many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight at a free charging station so they’re ready to hit the road the next morning.  

Use the PlugShare app (available through the App Store or Google Play) to locate charging stations and to plan trips. 

Utilities cost

Charging an electric vehicle vs. traditional combustion engine vehicle 

Utilities costs for at-home EV charging: Approximately $35 on your monthly utility bill. 

Fuel costs for traditional gas fueled car: About $136 for the average light duty gas car of 25.7mpg. 

Assumptions: Based on driving 12,000 miles annually (1,000 miles per month). 

EVs and our electric grid

As more people switch to electric vehicles in Colorado Springs, we are monitoring increased electric usage related to charging and how that might affect our overall electric system.

As needs change, we will continue to look for innovative ways to meet your needs, including new rate designs and rebates that encourage off-peak charging. 

EV incentives and resources

This is a great time to consider purchasing an electric vehicle as there are several federal and state incentives to help reduce the upfront purchase price.

More tax-related information is available at irs.gov.

Shopping resources

If you’re actively shopping for a new or used electric vehicle, stop by plugstar.com to learn more about the latest EV models, cost comparisons, home charging options and incentives. The site can tailor your shopping experience to your location.