Electric vehicle survey open to the public to bring more charging stations to Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Property managers and owners as well as renters in the greater Colorado Springs area are being asked to participate in a brief survey about electric vehicle charging stations.

The City of Colorado Springs developed an EV readiness plan earlier this year for the community. After conducting this research, the city along with Rolling Energy Resources and Drive Clean Colorado, found that a barrier to getting more electric vehicles on the road is the lack of charging accessibility for renters.

By doing this survey hosted by Rolling Energy Resources, these organizations can better know where to best install EV chargers in residential areas.

There are currently 175 public electric charging stations in the Colorado Springs general area. But it's a much lower number in multi-family residential areas.

As a result, residential renters may face challenges when adopting an EV since those drivers typically don't have a home charging station.

"In a single family home it is much easier to purchase a charging device and install it in the garage for example," City of Colorado Springs Innovation Manager Carlos Tamayo said. "Whereas in these properties, it's harder because some of these don't have assigned parking spaces for example."

This survey will help these organizations understand from both renters and property owners and managers where EV charging stations are most inaccessible so the need can be addressed.

"Electric vehicles are coming," Tamayo said. "Part of it is due to high migration of younger generations and families that perhaps have this environmentally conscious mindset."

There are approximately 3,000 electric vehicles in Colorado Springs. By 2030, it is estimated to be 100,000. By installing more EV stations now, the city will be better prepared for this expected growth.

EV drivers can also participate in a free research study to evaluate home versus away charging data. The platform also reports how much charging their EV costs and how much they saved compared to a gas vehicle. The first fifty drivers to enroll will receive a $100 visa gift card and the following fifty drivers to enroll will receive $50 visa gift card. 

Click here to view all the public electric charging locations in Colorado Springs.

Click here for more information and data on electric charging in Colorado Springs.