PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
City of Aspen to Implement a Payment System at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Charging for Level 2 Charging Begins May 1st, 2023
Aspen, Colo. – April 12, 2023 – Beginning May 1, 2023, the City of Aspen will begin charging a fee for the use of their Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Users of Level 2 charging stations will be subject to a $0.25/ kWh charge.
According to data from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the average number of EV registrations in Pitkin County has risen almost 30% each year since 2010. The costs associated with owning and installing EV charging infrastructure to accommodate these EVs is increasing. Cities and towns across the country are introducing policies to offset these costs, including increased electricity usage involved with EV charging. The update to the City of Aspen charging policy requires EV drivers to pay for a resource that they have previously received for free and is still a more inexpensive option compared to gasoline prices.
Currently, there are three DCFC fast-charging stations in Aspen and six Level 2 charging stations. The DCFC fast-charging stations are currently subject to a $0.45/ kWh demand charge. The fast-charging stations are located near Aspen City Hall, in the Rio Grande Parking Garage, and across from the Rubey Park Transit Center. The Level 2 charging stations are currently located in the Rio Grande Parking Garage, Spring Street, and on Main and First Streets with more being added every year. Those charging stations operate on City of Aspen Electric, which is 100% renewable energy.
The City of Aspen set science-based targets for community greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 63% by 2030 and 100% (zero carbon) by 2050. As part of the plan to reach these goals, the City plans to install approximately 40 EV charging station plugs by 2026.[GU1]
There are currently 450 EVs on the road in Pitkin County, which represents 2.37% of the market share and the numbers are increasing. Drivers across the world are switching to EVs to offset the cost of increasing gas prices and reduce their carbon footprint. The City of Aspen is ensuring that EV charging remains accessible and cost effective. Drivers will use the ChargePoint app or the kiosk near the charging station to pay for charging.
For more information about the location of charging stations, charging rates, and EV programs and rebates, visit https://www.aspen.gov/919/Electric-Vehicles.
Contacts:
Tim Karfs, Climate and Sustainability Program Administrator, City of Aspen, 1-970-379-7389, Tim.Karfs@aspen.gov
Carolyn Sackariason, Communications Coordinator, City of Aspen, 1-970-319-2791, Carolyn.sackariason@aspen.gov
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