Electric Vehicles Hit the Road
Sustainability goals set by the City of Salida have achieved results in several areas regarding electric vehicle infrastructure improvements. Staying ahead of the electric car revolution has positioned Salida to offer the services and facilities necessary for EV drivers to live in and visit the community. An initial planning meeting in 2018 identified locations that had the existing electrical infrastructure needed to accommodate charging stations. These locations were also positioned around town to ensure that amenities such as dining, shopping, recreating, soaking at the City's Hot Springs Aquatic Center, or visiting one of Salida's many parks were within walking distance of charging stations.
Since 2018, the City has been successful at receiving Colorado Energy Office funds through two different grant cycles to construct five Level II charging stations. Three have been in operation since May of 2019 and have seen a significant increase in use year over year. Two additional stations are expected to be installed by the spring of 2021. These stations do not have a fee for service.
The Public Works Department purchased the City's first municipal EV vehicle and the SteamPlant recently added an EV vehicle as well. Operational savings, sustainability goals and the development of more EV vehicle options on the market are expected to cause expansion of the City EV fleet in future years
In 2020, a local developer successfully received Colorado Energy Office funds for a dual Level III charging station and Level II chargers at the Two River's development under construction at the east end of town. This project was also built with solar panels to offset the charging demand.
Also in 2020, negotiations between the City and Rivian, an up-and-coming EV vehicle manufacturer, led to a lease of property that will contain four Level III charging stations and four open network Level II stations near the heart of downtown Salida. Rivian is also providing funding for tree plantings, asphalt surface treatments, and fee payment as part of a 10-Year lease of City property.
Salida's approach to staying ahead of the EV market is expected to provide options for users and promote growth in the local economy.
