Update on the city’s electric vehicle chargers
Two parking spots outside the library in the City of Castle Pines previously used as EV charging stations are now just regular parking spaces.
The electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines (DCL) have been removed from the parking area in front of the facility.
Originally, these charging stations were purchased by the City of Castle Pines in an agreement to utilize parking spaces for all cars. Over their lifespan, the stations required minimal maintenance and inspection that could be carried out by DCL staff.
The fate of the charging stations took a turn when one of them was struck by a vehicle, rendering it irreparable.
“Because the stations were eventually broken beyond repair, DCL opted not to purchase new stations,” said Nanci Marr, manager of marketing and communication at DCL. The libraries do not offer EV charging stations at any other location.
Publicly-accessible EV chargers are located at at least two locations within city limits: one at the 7-11 on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway and a couple others at The Madison Apartments. The 7-11 station has fast-charging capabilities and is a paid station. The chargers at The Madison Apartments are free of charge but are for apartment residents only. An additional charger is located nearby at the Glendale Farm Open Space and Trail just northeast of the city and has free or discounted rates for CORE customers.
“There is no current city plan to increase EV charger numbers,” said Camden Bender, spokesperson for the City of Castle Pines. “Most property in Castle Pines is privately owned. When land use applicants have expressed interest in EV chargers, we share information about programs to help fund installation of new chargers.”
CORE Electric Cooperative, which provides electric service to Castle Pines, is launching a residential EV charging program in the summer of 2024. This program is comparable to existing programs with Xcel Energy that facilitate installation of EV chargers at customer’s homes.
According to the Colorado Energy Office, vehicle registration statistics indicate that about one in four vehicles registered are now electric or hybrid. New EV purchases in Colorado are eligible for up to $8,000 in federal tax credits and $5,000 in state tax credits.
Article and photos by Bear Rothe
