Cover the Cost of Your EV Charging Project with the Charge Ahead Colorado EV Charging Rebate Program

Through the federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as local utility companies, there are billions of dollars of funding available for electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations. These funds, mostly through the form of rebate programs, can often cover a large portion of the project costs. This can be crucial for property owners looking to install chargers for their tenants, customers, employees, or fleet without breaking the bank.

For those in the State of Colorado, the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) provides generous funding opportunities. Learn more details about the program and how it can help you bring your EV charging project to life below.

Charge Ahead Colorado EV Charging Rebate Program Overview

Launched in 2013, the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program has funded more than 2,000 EV charging stations throughout the state. The program has five goals:

1. Promote the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout Colorado.
2. Increase the number of electric vehicles in Colorado.
3. Reduce harmful air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with gasoline and diesel vehicles.
4. Gather data on charging stations to better understand their usage.
5. Support implementation of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan.

The program, in the form of a rebate, provides funding to EV charging station installations at public and private locations. Both Level 2 and DC Fast Charging (also known as DCFC) are eligible project types. Initially, the program was administered by the Regional Air Quality Council, however, in March of 2022 the program was handed over to the CEO.

The program has three funding rounds (January, May, and October) where most recently, January 2023, the application round had approximately $3 million dollars available. However, Short Applications (discussed later) may be submitted year round.

Eligible Costs

The following costs are eligible to be covered through the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program:

1. EV Charging station and related equipment (EVSE)
2. Construction materials
3. Permits
4. Construction labor costs associated with equipment purchase and installation of Level 2 or DCFC charging stations
5. Utility and electric upgrades, such as new transformers, or upgrades to transformers, breaker boxes, and electrical panels
6. Signage and paint
7. Networking / subscription and activation fees
8. Warranty costs
9. Shipping
10. Tax

Program Requirements

Every EV charger rebate program includes some number of requirements. These can include special contractor bidding instructions, certain equipment, or annual data reporting. Applicants are highly encouraged to read through these requirements to ensure that their project is compliant throughout the application and operation phases. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of awarded funds. For the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program, requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. Multi-family housing projects must be commonly available and not dedicated to a single tenant.
2. Stations must be kept operational and in service for a minimum of five years.
3. Stations must have a dedicated parking space for EV charging only. The dedicated parking space(s) must be equal to the number of vehicles that can be charged simultaneously. Signage indicating “EV Parking Only” must be included for each space.
4. Charging stations required by local code will not be funded. Only charging stations going beyond local code requirements will be considered for funding. Income qualified and affordable housing developments are exempted from this criterion.
5. Upon award, CEO will provide a mandatory orientation for all program applicants. Do not select vendors or execute any agreements prior to this meeting.
6. Charging stations must be purchased and not leased to be eligible for funding. Financing, with an initial payment equivalent to the grant amount plus the required match is eligible for funding.
7. Applicants must provide the minimum required match for each charging station.
8. All charging stations must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories, ETL Listed or an equivalent certification. Units must be compliant with the current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 625.
9. Awardees are required to purchase five years of networking and warranty to ensure ongoing operability of the charging station(s).
10. Applicants must comply with all applicable federal, state and local permitting, zoning and code requirements.
11. Applicants must share charging station data with CEO.
12. Applicants must submit station information to the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.
13. Backup original invoicing will be required at the time of reimbursement submission. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure documents are clear. If documents are illegible, confusing or incorrect in any manner, the project documents will be returned to the grantee for resubmission. If the grantee does not comply, the project may not be funded.

Application Process

The application process for the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program is not as rigorous as some of the other rebates programs across the U.S. Per the Application Guide, “applicants will be required to create an account in order to apply for grant funding. Following account creation, applicants will be able to proceed to the application. Applicants have the option to submit either a standard or short application (for qualifying projects of up to three L2 stations for DI Qualifying Entities, fleets, workplaces or multifamily housing where charging stations are primarily intended for employee or resident use)”.

The Standard Application requires applicants to enter project information, contact information, project description, a short questionnaire, a few written sections, and supporting documentation. Overall, it should take the applicant no more than a few hours to complete. *This version of the application is for projects that will consist of six or more chargers.

The Short Application, however, has fewer sections to complete. For instance, the written sections are limited to just a few questions. The Short Application should take applicants far less time than the Standard Application. Furthermore, the Short Application can be submitted at any time during the year making it a much more flexible option for applying. *This version of the application is for projects that will consist of six chargers or less.

To submit either application, applicants must submit via the online portal. Submissions via email or physical mail will not be accepted. If awarded, awardees must participate in a mandatory orientation “to ensure a smooth process for all parties involved.”

Procurement and Vendors

The Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program is only for new installations. Funding for retroactive projects or existing stations will not be awarded. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they have received an award prior to purchasing any equipment. Per the Application Guide, “Projects must seek approval for funding through the application process, receive notice of an award, and an executed Purchase Order from CEO prior to implementing or contracting for any aspect of a project that will be submitted for reimbursement”.

While not sponsored or endorsed by CEO, there is a CEO Vendor List, which includes vendors that have participated in the CEO vendor training. These vendors are very likely to meet the equipment requirements as put forth by the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging program.

FAQ

What is the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program?
An EV charging station installation rebate program by the CEO.

How much do the rebates cover?
Anywhere from 80-90% or $6,000-$50,000 per charger, whichever is less.

What types of project sites are eligible?
Any public or private location with exception to deeded or assigned parking at multi-family housing or single family housing.

Who can apply?
Property owners or anyone else with permission from the property owner.

What type of chargers are eligible?
Level 2 and DCFC.

When can an application be submitted?
Anytime during the three application windows in January, May, and October for Standard Applications. Year around for Short Applications.

How many funds are available?
Varies from round to round, however, the last round was nearly $3 million dollars.

What if I need help?
ReCharge Coaches are available for technical assistance. Additionally, you can reach out to us at EVmatch for any questions regarding the Charge Ahead Colorado EV charging rebate program. As a leading EV charging network, we support EV charging station installations nationwide. Learn more by filling out the brief form below and we’ll be in touch!