Local Government Electric Vehicle Readiness Planning Grants

The Local Government Electric Vehicle Readiness Planning Grants were administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to support the state’s broader efforts in climate action and clean transportation initiatives. These grants were designed in alignment with Governor Jared Polis’ administration and its Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy by 2040. The program emphasized empowering local governments in Colorado to lead by example by implementing electric vehicle (EV) readiness strategies. Local governments were identified as key agents of change, with direct authority over zoning, building codes, and transportation infrastructure, making them instrumental in achieving state and national climate goals. The initiative supported the goals of the 2023 Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan, which targets the deployment of 940,000 electric vehicles by the year 2030. Grant-funded readiness plans served as foundational documents enabling municipalities to better plan and implement electric vehicle infrastructure, especially in rural or underserved areas. In doing so, the program also sought to align with federal initiatives and complement local and regional climate policies. The initiative was framed not only as a strategy to reduce emissions but also to bolster economic development in communities through new revenue opportunities and cost savings in vehicle operations and maintenance. While the funding for the EV readiness grants has concluded, the program established valuable precedents and planning frameworks. Local governments were able to access technical assistance, certification programs, and planning tools to expedite EV deployment. One such continuing resource is Drive Clean Colorado’s (DCC) Charging Smart program, which remains active and supports local governments by providing certification and planning tools that ease the transition to EV infrastructure. The original submission process, eligibility criteria, and application requirements for the grant are no longer publicly active, and there are no upcoming deadlines associated with this opportunity. However, the CEO encourages interested parties to stay informed through their website and newsletters, as new programs and funding opportunities are expected to emerge as the state continues its clean energy transition. Although specific evaluation criteria, award amounts, or the total funding pool were not detailed in the remaining documentation, the program was intended to be broadly accessible to Colorado local governments. The initiative placed a clear emphasis on equity, accessibility, and economic benefit, particularly targeting rural and under-resourced areas. Applicants were expected to align their proposals with statewide climate action goals and demonstrate the potential for scalable, replicable outcomes. With the closure of the original grant program, the CEO now directs inquiries to Drive Clean Colorado for ongoing EV planning support. While no application portal is currently open for this specific grant, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with DCC’s Charging Smart program for assistance and planning tools to facilitate their continued efforts in electric vehicle readiness.