A new Tesla fast-charging site in Frisco, Colorado, which aims to help electric vehicles make longer trips into the mountains, has sparked concerns over its future. The site, opened less than a month ago, offers 12 high-powered charging stalls and is funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI), a $5 billion federal initiative.
However, the Trump administration’s decision to halt funding for NEVI has sent shockwaves through the industry. In a memo, the Federal Highway Administration informed states they could no longer spend money allocated through the initiative. Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ office condemned the move as a misguided attempt to limit electric vehicle adoption and compared it to other directives that prioritize the administration’s agendas over market demands.
Despite this, Colorado has already awarded nearly $34 million in grants to build 364 new fast-charging ports across the state. The state also has dedicated funding for EV chargers, which will help insulate it from potential losses of federal funding. A clean energy advocacy group expressed concerns about the impact of the freeze and urged Congress to take action.
The decision comes as Colorado leads the nation in electric vehicle adoption. According to recent reports, the state’s EV market share has surpassed California’s, with battery-powered vehicles accounting for nearly 20 percent of new car sales. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, leaving the future of fast-charging sites and electric vehicle infrastructure in Colorado hanging in the balance.
Source: https://www.cpr.org/2025/02/08/trump-puts-up-roadblocks-to-colorado-plan-to-build-electric-vehicle-chargers-along-highways