On Earth Day, GoEV coalition showcases 10 local Colorado governments leading the charge on electric vehicles

Media Contacts
Alexandra Simon

Former Public Health Advocate, CoPIRG

DENVER – This Earth Day, the GoEV City coalition highlighted ten local “GoEV” cities and counties in Colorado that have made a commitment to 100% zero-emission transportation by 2050, and are offering some exciting insights into the future of clean transportation. 

“These local governments are leading the way  to a clean transportation future, and it’s exciting to see the innovative programs and policies they are implementing to meet their commitments to 100% zero-emissions transportation,” said CoPIRG advocate Alex Simon. “Vehicle electrification is an area where local governments truly can make a difference. By accelerating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, we are creating a cleaner, safer, healthier future for all Coloradoans.”

Combined, the ten GoEV cities and counties account for 23 percent of Colorado’s population. Some of the policies these leading communities are rolling out include:

  • The City of Boulder is currently underway with an experimental “vehicle-to-building” (VTB) program, where the batteries of the EVs not in use can store energy and lower the building’s overall energy demand, especially during peak periods. According to the project’s annual report, the bidirectional charging system has saved the North Boulder Recreation Center about 3.4% in operating costs, or $240 per month through using the battery of just one Nissan Leaf. 

  • GoEV neighbors, the Towns of Vail and Avon, together with the EagleVail Metro District will launch a regional e-bike share program, ShiftBike, on May 20th. The program will include 90 e-bikes and 15 stations. Vail also launched an E-bikes for Essentials program, deploying 7 e-bikes to income qualified essential workers to use during non-snow months. 

  • Local GoEV participant, City of Denver, launches a new financial incentive program for the purchase of e-bikes. Residents can receive a $400 rebate off qualifying electric bikes, and income qualified residents are eligible for a $1200 rebate. E-cargo bikes can obtain an additional $500 credit. 

  • The Town of Erie completed the installation and activation of its 8th and 9th publically available dual-port EV charging stations. The location for the newest stations is strategically placed at the expansion of Community Park, which is built around a capped oil and gas well. This showcases both the history and old form of fossil fuel extraction and the new future of clean energy! Erie is also working with GoEV County Boulder County and Xcel Energy on an EV Readiness Plan. 

  • Summit County recently installed 2 new dual-port, level 2 EV charging stations, for a total of 8 chargers and 15 ports available for public, employee and fleet at county facilities. Additionally the county operates 3 DC fast chargers for fleet use only. 

The GoEV City and County campaign is a statewide coalition effort by the Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG), Conservation Colorado, Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), and Sierra Club. Throughout the year, the GoEV City coalition continues to expand the number of communities with a 100% zero emissions transportation commitment. For more information – https://www.goevcity.org/ 

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CoPIRG is the Colorado Public Interest Research Group. CoPIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for a healthier, safer world in which we’re freer to pursue our own individual well-being and the common good. More at www.copirg.org

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