Durango’s first electric fast charging station is now live and available for public use at the Durango Transit Center.

The new ChargePoint DC Fast Charging Station is in the parking lot, adjacent to two existing level two charging stations. The cost to charge a vehicle at the station is 30 cents per kilowatt hour. An “idle fee” of 30 cents per minute kicks in when a vehicle is left plugged in longer than 10 minutes after charging is complete.

Two vehicles can charge simultaneously at the station, which delivers a full charge in about 20 minutes. The Level 2 two chargers, by comparison, take about four hours to deliver a full charge. For instructions about how to use ChargePoint stations, visit www.ChargePoint.com/drivers.

“The new DC fast charging station at the Transit Center will provide fast, convenient charging in downtown Durango and help to make electric vehicles more reliable and accessible for both local residents and visitors,” said Imogen Ainsworth, city of Durango sustainability coordinator. “This project contributes to electric vehicle and greenhouse gas emissions goals adopted in the city and LPEA’s recently adopted Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan.”

The charging station was installed through a partnership between the city of Durango and La Plata Electric Association. Funding was leveraged from the Colorado Energy Office and ChargePoint through a statewide fast charging corridors program.

“This project hits many of LPEA’s operational objectives by supporting our community, reducing emissions, and boosting beneficial electrification,” said LPEA CEO Jessica Matlock. “To support the growth of the EV market, we must first start with the infrastructure, and that takes partnerships. Working with the city to achieve joint goals that benefit our community has been a pleasure. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

The city of Durango and LPEA will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new charging station at noon Aug. 12.

For more information, visit www.DurangoGov.org/EVready or email Imogen.Ainsworth@DurangoGov.org .