The City has recently purchased and installed an Electric Vehicle Charging Station in downtown Steamboat Springs and it is now ready and available for public use. The station is located at 10th Street and Lincoln Avenue, and was able to happen with the assistance of a grant from Charge Ahead Colorado through the Colorado Energy Office.
The unit is a Charge Point CT4000 level II dual pedestal charging station able to charge two cars at once (there is a four hour limit) and is operable 24 hours a day/seven days a week. The City will be able to track charging times and usage in KWh, but currently vehicles can charge at no cost to them. Users will need to set up a free account with Charge Point, and this can be done at the time of charging. The spaces are painted green and are designated specifically for electric cars while charging. Signs depicting this will be installed in the next couple of weeks.
The project helps to meet the goals of City Council to serve as community leaders in sustainability in regards to air quality, energy use, and transportation. Having a charging station will enable people with electric vehicles to travel through the Northwest Colorado Hwy 40 corridor and into Steamboat Springs (currently there are also charging stations in Denver, Idaho Springs, Winter Park and Kremmling), and could encourage more people in Steamboat Springs to purchase an electric car.