On April 23, 2020, Colorado released a 2020 update to the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan, setting the ambitious “long-term goal of 100% of light-duty vehicles being electric and 100% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles being zero emission.” The plan was developed by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado Department of Health & Environment, and the Regional Air Quality Council. It provides updates to a January 2018 plan to support the strong climate policies of Governor Polis, elected in 2018.
Since Gov. Polis’ election and the release of the 2018 EV Plan, the state has adopted legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, with transportation being the largest source of emissions. Colorado also joined ten other states in adopting the Zero Emissions Vehicle Standard (ZEV) to set sales targets for electric vehicles for auto-manufacturers. The 2020 Plan updates the state’s visions for electric vehicles to account for these changes, calling for nearly one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. Furthermore, it works to support electrification for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as state fleets, and public transportation vehicles.
The Colorado Energy Office “will play a critical role in cleaning up the air and achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals” that this plan sets forth, according to CEO’s Executive Director, Will Toor. The Colorado Energy Office already runs several programs that have laid a vital foundation for electrifying the state’s transportation sector. The Charge Ahead Colorado grant program has funded more than one thousand vehicle chargers around the state and is now working to electrify the state’s scenic byways. Colorado is also working to support regional charging networks, through their Fast-Charging Corridor program, and engagement with neighboring states through the REV West Partnership.