Fleet Zero-Emission Resource Opportunity (Fleet-ZERO)

The Fleet-ZERO EV Charging Grant, offered by the Colorado Energy Office, supports the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric fleet vehicles and equipment. This program aligns with the state’s Clean Truck Strategy, EV Plan, and Community Access Enterprise by targeting the environmental and health impacts of fleet emissions, especially in marginalized and low-income communities. By subsidizing the installation of fleet-oriented EV chargers, the program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support cleaner air statewide. Funding is available through two application mechanisms. Standard Application rounds, held twice annually in the spring and fall, offer up to $500,000 per awardee per round. The next standard round is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. Rolling Applications are open year-round, but only to qualifying entities, and are limited to $50,000 per applicant. A cost match of at least 20% is required for most applicants, though qualifying entities benefit from a reduced 10% match and enhanced incentives, including prioritized evaluation and higher funding per port. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as government agencies, businesses, non-profits, fleet charging providers, independent contractors, schools (for non-transit fleet uses), and tribal entities. Qualifying entities include nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and certified disadvantaged businesses. Projects must focus on EV charging for fleet use only, not for personal vehicles, transit vehicles, or general public use, which are supported under separate programs. Allowable costs include expenses directly related to the purchase and installation of EV charging infrastructure, warranty coverage, and required software subscriptions. Projects must be completed within the grant agreement period, and funding may not be used for already completed installations. Application submission is completed through the Colorado Energy Office's online portal, where applicants must create an account and upload required materials via standardized preparation forms. A formal Q&A period occurs during the first two weeks of each standard round, with responses posted publicly. For the Fall 2025 round, the application window runs from September 15 to October 17, with responses to Q&A posted on September 26. Award notifications are expected by December 2025. The next standard application cycle will open in Spring 2026. Rolling applicants typically receive notification within 30 days. For further guidance, applicants are directed to the official Application Guide and may contact Matt Lerman, Senior Infrastructure Program Manager, at matt.lerman@state.co.us. Additional incentives from local, state, and federal programs can be stacked with Fleet-ZERO funds, though duplication for the same station is not allowed. The program does not endorse specific vendors but maintains a list of trained providers.

Use preparation forms and avoid beginning work before grant approval.