Electric vehicles are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re on the streets of Fort Collins today, and in growing numbers. With over 5,200 EVs now in the city and 20% of new car buyers choosing electric, Fort Collins is clearly on board. But the big question is: are we ready for this shift?
The City Council recently reviewed updates to the Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap, and while there’s plenty to be excited about, there are still some real hurdles ahead—especially when it comes to charging.
Where Can You Charge in Fort Collins?
Let’s start with the good news: Fort Collins has 147 public Level 2 charging ports scattered throughout the city. These are great for topping off your battery while you’re at work, running errands, or grabbing dinner.
But when it comes to Level 3 fast chargers—the kind that can charge your car in under an hour—we’re a bit behind. Right now, there are just 6 public Level 3 chargers in all of Fort Collins. For a growing EV population, that’s not much.
The city’s own data suggests we should have between 16 and 26 Level 3 chargers to meet current and near-future demand. The problem? Installing one isn’t cheap—between $75,000 for the charger and over $100,000 for capacity fees, each station can cost $175,000+.
What’s It Cost to Charge?
If you’re charging at home, you’re in luck. A full charge will cost you around $3—the equivalent of sipping electricity compared to filling up a gas tank. The catch? You’ll need to leave it plugged in overnight, and if your electrical panel isn’t up to the task, upgrades could run $10,000 or more.
Public charging is a bit more expensive:
- Level 2 public chargers usually cost around $15 for a full charge.
- Level 3 fast chargers can hit $30 to $50 per session.
Planning Ahead Is the New Norm
One thing most EV owners will tell you: owning an electric vehicle takes a little more planning. Instead of swinging by the gas station when your tank’s low, you’re thinking about where to park, how long you’ll be there, and whether a charger is available (and functioning—1 in 3 stations are reportedly down nationwide at any given time due to maintenance issues).
What’s Fort Collins Doing About It?
The City of Fort Collins isn’t sitting still. Here are a few key steps being taken:
- More chargers in more places, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Potential rebates or incentives for home charger installations.
- Partnering with private companies to share the cost of building out infrastructure.
- Encouraging EV car shares and ride-hailing services to electrify their fleets.
- Expanding education and outreach to help residents navigate EV ownership and charging options.
Fort Collins is on the right path when it comes to electric vehicle adoption, but there’s still work to do—especially when it comes to fast-charging access and making EV ownership more convenient for everyday drivers.
If you’re thinking about switching to electric, it’s worth taking a little time to plan ahead: check out your home’s electrical capacity, explore charger locations around town, and consider how a new routine might look. The transition is happening—and with a little strategy, you can be ahead of the curve.
