Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas Grant

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), has developed the Direct Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas Grant to improve access to high-speed electric vehicle charging throughout Colorado. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting drivers who do not have consistent access to home or workplace charging. The program aims to bridge charging infrastructure gaps in communities and along highway corridors, helping to advance the state’s clean energy goals. In Spring 2025, the funding round is exclusively supported by state funds through the Community Access Enterprise (CAE). The DCFC Plazas Grant is open to a diverse range of eligible applicants, including businesses and industry, government and public institutions, tribal governments and entities, and nonprofit organizations. Projects should propose DC fast-charging stations that are strategically located to serve high-demand areas and fill existing infrastructure gaps. Applicants are encouraged to review proximity to existing or planned DCFC locations and consider how their proposed sites enhance accessibility for travelers and community members alike. For the Spring 2025 application round, a total of $3 million in funding is available. Incentives are provided based on the number of charging ports installed at each site, with a minimum requirement of four ports per site. Each port must deliver a minimum output of 150kW. The number of vehicles a site can simultaneously service and its location influence the final incentive amount. Additionally, enhanced incentives are offered for projects located in disproportionately impacted communities or that incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems, including standalone configurations. Applications for the Spring 2025 round open on May 5, 2025, and close on June 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM MT. All applications must be submitted through the online grant portal. A Word-formatted application document is available to help applicants prepare their responses. The formal Q&A period runs from May 5 through May 23, 2025, with responses to questions being posted on May 30, 2025. Applicants are strongly advised to review the DCFC Plazas Application Guide and utilize the Enhanced Incentive Screening Tool to determine eligibility for additional funding. Priority funding will be directed toward proposals located in designated priority areas as outlined in the application guide. These areas have been identified to help fill critical infrastructure gaps across the state. CEO and CDOT provide various resources, including a Partnering List and site gap analysis tools, to assist in project planning and collaboration. For more information or to ask specific questions, applicants can contact Tori Petersen at tori.petersen@state.co.us. Staying connected with the Colorado Energy Office is encouraged, as the agency frequently launches new funding programs and initiatives that contribute to the state’s clean energy transition.