Charge Ahead Colorado

The Charge Ahead Colorado grant program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Colorado Energy Office in partnership with the Community Access Enterprise. The program is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by supporting the installation of EV charging infrastructure across Colorado. It focuses on expanding access to charging stations in communities, workplaces, multifamily housing, and other publicly accessible locations. The program aligns with broader state goals to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support environmental justice, particularly by prioritizing investments in disproportionately impacted communities and qualifying entities. The program provides funding for three types of EV charging solutions: Level 1 outlet charging, Level 2 charging stations, and Direct Current Fast Charging stations. A new offering includes incentives for deeded and assigned parking outlets in multifamily housing properties, aimed at addressing charging gaps in residential settings. Funding is awarded through a competitive evaluation process, and applicants must demonstrate strong project planning, including commitments to install, operate, and maintain charging infrastructure for a minimum of five years. Projects must also meet accessibility requirements and comply with state and federal design standards. Funding is structured around maximum incentive amounts per charging port, with additional enhanced incentives available for qualifying entities such as nonprofits, government agencies, and income-qualified housing providers. A minimum cost share is required, typically 20 percent of net eligible costs, though this is reduced to 10 percent for qualifying entities. Eligible expenses include equipment, installation, construction, networking, and related infrastructure costs, while ineligible expenses include operating costs, land acquisition, and unrelated facility improvements. Funding is reimbursement-based, meaning awardees must complete projects and submit required documentation before receiving payment. Eligibility is broad and includes businesses, government entities, nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal governments, and multifamily housing providers. Applicants must own or operate the charging stations and must ensure that projects are not completed prior to receiving an executed grant agreement. Certain uses are excluded, such as charging infrastructure for single-family homes or fleet-specific applications. Projects must also exceed any existing building code requirements unless exemptions apply, particularly for income-qualified housing. Applications are submitted through an online portal and must be completed by a representative of the organization that will own and operate the charging infrastructure. The program offers three application pathways: standard applications, which open three times per year; rolling applications, which are available year-round for smaller projects; and multifamily housing portfolio applications for projects spanning multiple properties. Each pathway has distinct eligibility thresholds and timelines, and applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, including gathering cost estimates and coordinating with utilities and vendors prior to submission. The evaluation process is competitive and considers factors such as project quality, site location, anticipated usage, equity impact, and readiness for implementation. Applications are scored by an evaluation committee composed of state agencies and subject matter experts. Award notifications are typically issued within 30 to 60 days depending on the application type. Successful applicants must complete an acceptance process, enter into a grant agreement, and adhere to reporting and documentation requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Program timelines vary by application type, with standard and portfolio applications opening in January, May, and September each year for 30-day periods. Rolling applications remain open continuously but are limited in scope. The program is recurring and expected to continue offering funding rounds annually. Applicants are encouraged to participate in office hours and review all application materials carefully to ensure compliance with program requirements and maximize their chances of receiving funding.

Provide detailed project planning, include site plans and cost estimates, demonstrate demand through surveys, prioritize equity and disadvantaged communities, ensure readiness for implementation and long-term maintenance