Law reference: Colorado Revised Statutes 42-3-304 (SB 21-260)
Source: dmv.colorado.gov/taxes-and-fees + afdc.energy.gov
Note: $50 base + weight-based formula.
Colorado EV Charging Costs (2026)
Data updated: March 7, 2026
Colorado is a utility-territory state, so EV charging cost is shaped more by local tariff design and charging window than by one statewide average. The Colorado PUC regulates major investor-owned utilities such as Xcel Energy and Black Hills, while municipal systems like Colorado Springs Utilities run their own approved rate structures. The Governor's office reported more than 210,000 EV registrations and a 32.4% EV share of new sales in Q3 2025. At that scale, utility tariff selection and charging timing are meaningful budget decisions, not just convenience choices.
Average Rate
$0.16/kWh
Rank #30 out of 50
EV Adoption
4.7%
State adoption estimate
Colorado Electricity Rates
Current rates by utility territory, with EV program details.
$0.16/kWh
$0.02/kWh below US average
Public Level 2 (est.): $0.31/kWh ($0.26-$0.40/kWh)
Public DC fast (est.): $0.49/kWh ($0.43-$0.58/kWh)
Estimated public charging prices derived from local electricity rates. Actual prices vary by network, location, and fees.
Many utilities offer off-peak EV charging options that can lower effective charging costs.
| Utility | Avg Rate |
|---|---|
| Xcel Energy (Public Service Co of Colorado) | $0.06792-$0.21277/kWh (PUC TOU base) |
| Black Hills Energy | $0.12-$0.16/kWh (PUC tiered base) |
| Colorado Springs Utilities | ~$0.15/kWh |
Utility Context for Colorado EV Drivers
Colorado charging economics are now mostly a timing problem inside each utility territory. As of early 2026, use the utility links below to verify live tariff sheets and EV program terms before locking in monthly assumptions.
- Xcel Energy Colorado moved residential time-of-use on-peak hours to 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays, effective November 1, 2025, with off-peak periods outside that window.
- Black Hills Energy Colorado lists Time-of-Day on-peak as weekdays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and states on-peak energy is priced at a 2:1 ratio versus off-peak energy.
- Black Hills Energy's Colorado EV program lists a residential Level 2 charger rebate up to $500 per charging port (up to $1,300 for income-qualified customers), which can materially lower first-year setup cost.
- Colorado Springs Utilities made Energy Wise its standard rate option effective October 1, 2025 and notes weekday on-peak pricing from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with off-peak pricing before 5 p.m., after 9 p.m., weekends, and holidays.
EIA: Colorado Electricity ProfileColorado PUC: About ElectricColorado PUC: Xcel TOU Change (Nov 1, 2025)Colorado PUC: Time-of-Use Rates (Xcel Base Rates)Xcel Energy Colorado Residential TOU RateColorado PUC: Black Hills Electric Rate CaseBlack Hills CO Residential Electric Rates (TOD)Black Hills CO EV Rate and Program DetailsColorado Springs Utilities Energy Wise RatesGovernor Polis: 210,000 EV Registrations MilestoneColorado DMV: Taxes and FeesCDOT: Colorado NEVI PlanCDOT: Winter Traction Law ChangesColorado Department of Revenue: EV Tax CreditsColorado Energy Office: EV Tax Credit Guidance
Rates updated monthly | Source: EIA and utility filings.
Colorado EV Registration Fee
Fee is calculated using fiscal-year components (plug-in registration fee plus road usage equalization fee). See source for current year calculation.
Colorado Local Charging Insights
These are Colorado-specific cost and planning signals with direct impact on monthly charging budgets.
- Colorado Department of Revenue lists the Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit at $750 for tax year 2026 for qualifying EV purchases and leases, and Colorado Energy Office guidance notes an additional $2,500 state credit path for qualifying new EVs under $35,000.
- Colorado DMV lists EV-specific annual charges including a $60.05 EV ownership tax and a $29.00 electric/hybrid road usage equalization fee for FY 2025-26; combined, that is $89.05/year before electricity spend.
- CDOT reports Colorado's federally approved NEVI implementation plan was approved on September 16, 2025, with expected funding of about $57 million over five years for corridor fast charging buildout.
- CDOT's winter traction-law season on I-70 mountain corridors (September through May) increases route-risk days for public charging travel, so winter trip plans should carry extra timing and SOC buffer.
EV Charging Costs by City in Colorado
View more Colorado cities ->| City | Avg Rate | Monthly Cost Estimate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $0.16/kWh | $42.11/month | View city page -> |
| Colorado Springs | $0.15/kWh | $39.47/month | View city page -> |
| Aurora | $0.16/kWh | $42.11/month | View city page -> |
| Fort Collins | $0.16/kWh | $42.11/month | View city page -> |
How Colorado Compares to Nearby States
| State | Rate | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (Current) | $0.16/kWh | #30 |
| Wyoming | $0.13/kWh | #17 |
| Nebraska | $0.12/kWh | #5 |
| Kansas | $0.14/kWh | #19 |
| Oklahoma | $0.12/kWh | #6 |
| New Mexico | $0.15/kWh | #24 |
Calculate Your Colorado EV Charging Costs
Start with your ZIP code and EV model to open the full savings calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Colorado?
Home charging in Colorado averages around $0.16/kWh. Public Level 2 sessions are estimated around $0.26-$0.40/kWh, while DC fast charging is estimated around $0.43-$0.58/kWh depending on network and membership. Final cost can also include session or idle fees.
What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in Colorado?
In Xcel territory, off-peak is outside the 5 p.m.-9 p.m. weekday on-peak window (non-holidays). In Black Hills Time-of-Day plans, on-peak is 5 p.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, so off-peak is all other hours; confirm if your account is on the TOD tariff. In Colorado Springs Utilities Energy Wise, on-peak is 5 p.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, and off-peak is before 5 p.m., after 9 p.m., plus weekends and holidays.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model Y in Colorado?
Charging a Tesla Model Y from near-empty in Colorado costs approximately $12.14 at home, $23.53 at a public Level 2 station, and $37.19 at a DC fast charger, based on EPA efficiency of 25.3 kWh/100 miles and an estimated 300-mile range.
Is home charging cheaper than public fast charging in Colorado?
Yes - at $0.16/kWh, home charging in Colorado costs 67% less per kWh than DC fast charging.
How do utility territories change EV charging cost in Colorado?
Utility territory is a first-order cost driver in Colorado. Xcel, Black Hills, and municipal providers use different residential tariff structures and peak windows, so two households with similar mileage can see different monthly charging costs. Use your exact utility tariff first, then optimize charging into off-peak windows before comparing home vs. public charging assumptions.
Does Colorado add EV-specific annual charges beyond electricity?
Yes. Colorado DMV's FY 2025-26 schedule lists a $60.05 EV ownership tax plus a $29.00 electric/hybrid road usage equalization fee for EVs. Combined, that is $89.05 per year before charging energy costs. As of early 2026, verify current fee schedules at Colorado DMV before budgeting.
Do Colorado utilities use the same peak charging hours?
Not exactly. Xcel's approved residential TOU window is 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays, Colorado Springs Utilities Energy Wise also uses 5 p.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, and Black Hills Time-of-Day uses 5 p.m.-8 p.m. weekdays. Matching your charging schedule to your exact utility window is one of the largest controllable cost levers in Colorado.
How fast is Colorado's highway fast-charging buildout moving?
CDOT states Colorado's NEVI plan is federally approved and expects about $57 million over five years for corridor charging deployment. That improves long-trip reliability, but home charging schedule still drives most monthly cost outcomes for daily driving.
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Internal Resources
Data updated monthly where available.