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Electric Vehicle Infrastructure & Readiness Plan

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure & Readiness Plan (EV Plan)

The Estes Park Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Readiness Plan (EV Plan) was discussed at the Town Board Study Session on January 26, 2021, and presented for adoption at the Town Board meeting on February 9, 2021. For details of the Town Board discussion and adoption, please access the Boards & Meetings page.

The EV Plan outlined the conditions in Estes Park that intersect aspects of the EV ecosystem, including infrastructure, fleet potential, and the policies in place. In October 2020, the Town Board added language to the Town Strategic Plan acknowledging EVs. This was a major step forward from a policy perspective and laid the supportive foundation needed to advance the EV Plan's Key Recommendations:

  1. Develop and implement EV education and awareness programs.
  2. Build and strengthen local and regional partnerships as it relates to EVs.
  3. Implement EV charging-specific time of use rates.
  4. Adopt a "ZEV first" fleet replacement policy.
  5. Adopt codes and policies that support transportation electrification.
  6. Expand public charging infrastructure to meet demand.

In keeping with the Town's mission to "provide high-quality, reliable services for the benefit of our citizens, guests and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting," the Town Board and staff acknowledge responsibility in providing for the health, safety, and welfare of Town residents and visitors. As a potential path in furthering this mission, the Town identified the need to reduce transportation-related emissions and to adopt the EV Plan. 

Addressing the issues of climate change and adapting to the potential natural hazards innate to Colorado mountain living are among the responsibilities of good government in ensuring financial solvency, supporting the most vulnerable populations, and making this community a healthy place to live, work and play.

Developing the EV Plan was a challenge during the COVID-era restrictions. Information was gathered from local and regional stakeholders to help understand the community's current knowledge and perspective; this assisted in defining the need for future EV infrastructure. Throughout the planning process, interviews were held with Town staff and stakeholders to provide insight into the knowledge gaps, common misconceptions, and potential opportunities. In general, the feedback was positive about EVs and the future of transportation electrification across Colorado and in Estes Park. 

The EV Plan was discussed during two Transportation Advisory Board meetings. An EV quiz and weekly polling questions were presented on this webpage, and a virtual community meeting was held. Funding support for the EV Plan is credited to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Energy Office; Town staff support is credited to two Denver-based consultancies, S.R.D. Consulting and Brendle Group. 

For more information about this project, please contact Dana Klein, the Town's Parking & Transit Manager, at dklein@estes.org or 970-577-3577.