Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas Grant

The Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas Grant is administered by the Colorado Energy Office in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation to expand access to high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout Colorado. The program is designed to support the deployment of direct current fast-charging plazas that improve charging availability for residents, travelers, and communities lacking reliable access to home or workplace charging. Funding for the program is provided through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program and the Community Access Enterprise. The initiative aligns with Colorado's statewide transportation electrification goals and broader clean energy objectives intended to reduce transportation emissions and increase adoption of electric vehicles across urban, rural, and corridor locations. The program seeks to fund strategically located charging sites that address existing infrastructure gaps along designated alternative fuel corridors and within underserved communities. Applicants are expected to consider proximity to existing and planned direct current fast-charging infrastructure when proposing projects. Proposed charging plazas should improve charging accessibility for drivers who require convenient, rapid charging while traveling or who lack access to residential charging opportunities. To support planning efforts, the Colorado Energy Office and Colorado Department of Transportation have developed resources including a project planning map and a partnering list intended to assist applicants in identifying viable project sites and potential collaborators. Eligible applicants include businesses and industry entities, government and public institutions, tribal governments and entities, and nonprofit organizations. The program specifically supports projects that deploy high-speed charging equipment with at least four charging ports per site. Each charging port must deliver a minimum output of 150 kilowatts. Funding incentives are structured based on the number of vehicles that can simultaneously charge at the required power level. Incentive amounts vary depending on the project location and whether the project qualifies for enhanced incentive categories. Enhanced incentives are available for projects located within designated priority locations identified in the application guide, as well as for projects incorporating battery integrated storage systems or standalone battery storage technologies. The total funding available for this application round is approximately $17 million. Funding assistance varies by project type and location, with cost share requirements also varying depending on eligibility under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Community Access Enterprise funding structures. The program materials state that incentives may cover up to 80 percent of eligible project costs. Applicants are instructed to review the official application guide for detailed incentive calculations, eligible expenses, technical specifications, and project requirements. The guidance materials also provide additional information regarding allowable project configurations, charging capacity requirements, and enhanced incentive opportunities tied to specific geographic priorities. The application process requires applicants to review the official application guide before submission. The Colorado Energy Office provides a Word-formatted application document to help applicants prepare responses in advance of completing the final submission. Applicants may submit questions during the formal question-and-answer period using the designated Q&A form. Responses to submitted questions from prior Q&A periods are also made publicly available. The Colorado Energy Office scheduled an informational webinar to explain program requirements and answer applicant questions. Key application dates include the opening of the application round on May 18, 2026, the Q&A deadline on May 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time, publication of Q&A responses on June 15, 2026, and the final application deadline of July 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. The program appears to be part of an ongoing statewide electric vehicle infrastructure deployment strategy, and the Colorado Energy Office references prior funding rounds and previously awarded projects through publicly accessible summaries. This suggests the funding opportunity is recurring or periodically reissued as additional infrastructure funding becomes available. Applicants are encouraged to monitor program updates and future funding announcements through the Colorado Energy Office mailing list and website. Questions regarding the funding opportunity may be directed to Tori Petersen at the official state email address provided in the solicitation materials.

Proposals should strategically address charging gaps, prioritize communities lacking home charging access, and demonstrate effective site planning aligned with Colorado alternative fuel corridor priorities.