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Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a range of benefits, both to vehicle owners and also to our community through impacts to public health, air quality, and the climate. This page provides information to assist residents in understanding more about EVs, including costs and incentives, charging opportunities, and more.
Boulder County’s Drive Electric Newsletter provides brief updates on all things related to Electric Cars and Electric Bikes, every few months. Sign up here.
An all-electric vehicle (EV) uses electrical energy from rechargeable batteries to power an electric motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Depending on the vehicle model, electric vehicles have a driving range of 100 to 330 miles per charge.
An all-electric vehicle does not have an internal combustion engine so it requires no gasoline and no oil changes. The car is clean and quiet with exceptionally little maintenance.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) runs on both electrical energy and gasoline. Thus, it has two motors, an electric motor and a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). PHEVs will first run on battery power and then use gasoline. Batteries in PHEVs use electric power to drive 10 to 54 miles per charge and then the internal combustion engine provides approximately an additional 300 miles.
The majority of Coloradans’ commute distances are fulfilled by all-electric vehicles. However, a PHEV could be a good option if you need a longer range and don’t have the option of home or workplace charging.
You may qualify for up to $19,500 towards the purchase of a new EV and up to $8,000 for a used EV. Many Boulder County residents are eligible for some or all of these discounts, which can be stacked together.
The exact amount of your discount will depend on the make/model of your EV/PHEV, the purchase price, your income, your tax liability, and whether you are leasing or purchasing the vehicle.
The table below outlines each stackable discount that Boulder County residents may be able to access. As deals are always changing, it is a great idea to reach out to a Colorado ReCharge coach or your local dealerships to see what options may be available to you. Boulder County cannot guarantee your eligibility for any program; please consult with a financial or tax professional to confirm your eligibility.
| Incentive | Max Discount for New EV | Max Discount for Used EV | Qualifications |
| Federal Tax Credit | $7,500 (subject to change) | $4,000 (subject to change) | Income, vehicle make/model/VIN and sale price, purchase date, tax liability |
| State Tax Credit | $6,000 | N/A | Vehicle sale price and purchase date. Available only to CO residents |
| Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) | $6,000 | $4,000 | Income, sale price, participating auto dealer. Available only to CO residents who are recycling an old car |
| Maximum Total Incentive | $19,500 | $8,000 | - |
There are many great EV/PHEV models to fit your budget and lifestyle. Browse this buyer’s guide to get started.
Visit this federal website for an updated list of vehicles that are likely to be eligible for the federal tax credit.
For help navigating which specific EV/PHEV models are eligible for tax credits and rebates, please consult EV coaches through ReCharge Colorado.
Electricity is cheaper than gasoline. On average, one gallon of gasoline costs $3.10, whereas the equivalent cost of electricity is $1.30. A 2024 study from the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that EV drivers save up to $2,200 per year on fuel costs.
Where you charge matters when it comes to cost. Charging your electric vehicle at home and at public Level 2 charging stations is significantly cheaper than filling up with gasoline. Charging at public DC fast chargers is more expensive than home charging and public Level 2 charging but still is cheaper or comparable to the cost of gasoline. Planning ahead with websites like PlugShare.com will help you find charging stations with the best rates.
Maintenance is another key point to understand when thinking about cost of ownership. There are big cost saving opportunities here, as electric vehicles require less maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Finally, the Colorado DMV website hosts a vehicle registration calculator that can help you estimate registration fees in Colorado for your EV.
The time it takes to fully charge your EV is based on the level, or speed, of charging. A benefit of all-electric vehicles is the convenience of charging your vehicle at home overnight and never needing to go to a public gas station again!
| Type of Charging | Volts | Charge Time | Primary Location |
| Level 1 | 120 volts | 40 miles of range in 8 hours of charging. Charging overnight is typically sufficient for those without a long commute. | Home |
| Level 2 | 240 volts | 25 miles of range per hour of charging. 3 to 8 hours for a full charge. | Home, Workplace |
| Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers) | 480+ volts | 80 to 100 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes of charging. | Public, Interstate Corridors |
Charging at home is typically Level 1 or Level 2 charging.
Level 1 charging occurs through the standard outlet for homes in the U.S. If you already have an outlet in your garage, this type of charging is convenient and low cost. However, you do need a dedicated branch circuit to charge, and we recommend speaking with an electrician to ensure safety and proper connectivity. 80% of Coloradans drive less than 30 miles per day. If that’s you, Level 1 charging overnight with a regular outlet will meet your daily driving needs.
Some EV owners choose to purchase a Level 2 charging station which charges through a 240 Volt AC plug (like a dryer or stove plug). On average, the cost for the Level 2 equipment and installation service is ~$1,000.
In addition to the tax credits available for the purchase of electric vehicles, there is a federal tax credit available for residents to offset the cost of home charging equipment and installation. The federal government offers a tax credit of 30%, up to $1,000, for the purchase and installation of at-home Level 2 charging in eligible areas. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit the IRS website here. Consult your tax advisor about your eligibility to receive the tax credit.
Xcel Energy offers their electrical customers up to $500 towards the purchase and installation of a Level 2 home charger through their Home Wiring Rebate program. Income-qualified customers can receive up to $2,300. For more information, visit Xcel Energy’s website here.
To learn more about United Power’s home charging incentives, visit the United Power website.
It’s important to choose an electrician who is licensed and insured to make any home charging upgrades. We recommend choosing an electrician who is knowledgeable about electric vehicles and the associated equipment when installing charging at home. Search Xcel Energy’s list of qualified electricians to find qualified installers with EV experience in your area.
While most EV and PHEV owners choose to charge their vehicles at home, there are many charging options around town for convenient fueling on-the-go. Charging stations can be found while running errands such as grocery store, retail, library, gym, and restaurant locations. Be sure to ask your employer about workplace charging too.
Where you charge matters when it comes to cost. Charging your electric vehicle at home and at public Level 2 charging stations is significantly cheaper than filling up with gasoline. Charging at public DC fast chargers is more expensive that home charging and public Level 2 charging, but still is cheaper or comparable to the cost of gasoline.
Plugshare is a free phone app and website that helps EV owners locate charging stations. It is considered the most up-to-date and comprehensive platform for public charging. Plugshare also provides the ability to reserve a charging station, filter which level of charging station you want (i.e. Level 1, 2, or 3), filter which stations are compatible with your vehicle, and receive notifications when new charging stations have been installed nearby. For more information, visit the PlugShare customer support page.
You may want to power your home EV charging with a rooftop solar PV system for an even greater environmental impact and carbon neutral lifestyle. EnergySmart serves all residents in Boulder County with free, unbiased advising and can help answer questions you may have, such as:
Visit the EnergySmart website or call 303-544-1000 to talk to an advisor.
While most electric vehicle charging takes place at home, providing EV charging stations at work has been demonstrated to make employees 20 times more likely to purchase an EV. Businesses in Boulder County are encouraged to explore the installation of EV Charging Stations at their commercial property to increase the adoption of EVs and to provide a great amenity to both your employees and customers.
Incentives are available for EV charging through state, federal, and utility incentives. Visit the PACE transportation website for more information and contact ReCharge Coach Jenna Wyatt at 720-386-5545 or jenna@drivecleanco.org for free, unbiased assistance.
