Free Plug-Ins for Electric Vehicles Likely Won't Last

Free charging stations for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in Colorado likely won't last due to the high cost of construction of the facilities.

1 minute read

September 24, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Cathie Pagano


Colorado currently has approximately 27 mostly free charging stations, says Finley. Due to the high cost of constructing charging stations and cost of electricity the free price tag is unlikely to last, according to Finley.

"When Boulder officials recently embarked on a federally funded project to install 40 free charging stations around the city, they found they cost $16,000 each - quadruple what was expected, city fleet manager Joe Castro said. Only two have been built. Boulder now plans to build 20 stations, not 40, and to charge drivers $1 an hour to plug in."

"Free public recharging options "are not going to last," said Bill Reinert, national manager of Toyota's advanced-technology group. "Too expensive. Electricity is going to get more expensive for everybody."

Thanks to Cathie Pagano

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