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Ahead Of The Curve, DIA/Fort Collins Install EV Charging Stations

John Athayde
/
Flickr - Creative Commons

Roughly a week after the City of Fort Collins unveiled its first DC quick charger, Denver International Airport says it will install 10 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its parking garages.

The new charging stations, set to be installed by this fall, will be free to customers parking in the airport's garages. In a statement, DIA officials say they'll be compatible with most electric and hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt.

Airport Manager of Aviation Kim Day says the airport has seen an increase in customers who are using general electrical outlets in DIA parking lots.

“We have seen an increase in the number of customers who drive electric vehicles to the airport and plug them into existing electrical outlets in the garages,” said Day. “These new charging stations are more convenient, safer and designed to work specifically with electric and plug-in vehicles. The airport continues to evolve to meet the needs of our customers and support the city’s Greenprint Denver sustainability initiative.”

The new electric chargers are considered Level 1 and will fully charge a battery in about 8 hours. According to DIA, there are other types of chargers designated Level 2. They require a 240-volt infrastructure which is costly to install, but charge a vehicle quicker.

The airport chose the less expensive stations to meet the needs of DIA passengers who typically park for 1.4 days.

Credit Grace Hood
The DC Quick Charger Station donated by Nissan to the City of Fort Collins. Note the Level 2 charger to the right.

In contrast, the new EV charger in Fort Collins is called a DC Quick Charge Station and will charge a properly equipped electric vehicle in as little as 15-20 minutes. It’s the only one in the state.

In a statement, Drive Electric Northern Colorado says fees for the DC Quick Charge Station are set at a flat rate of $3 a charge. Level 2 stations are available for a fee of $1 an hour.

The DC Quick Charge Station located at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery can only be used by certain vehicles. All other electric vehicles will be able to use new Level 2 stations located at the Civic Center Parking Structure. Soon, more level 2 stations will be available in additional areas of the city.

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