You've just touched down at Colorado Springs Airport (COS). The view of Pikes Peak through the terminal windows is breathtaking, but as you walk toward the baggage claim, a familiar flicker of "range anxiety" sets in. If you're driving an electric vehicle—whether it's your own or a sleek Model 3 you've rented from us at Frontier Tesla—knowing exactly where to plug in is the difference between a seamless mountain getaway and a stressful search for juice.
Colorado Springs is an EV-friendly city, but the airport infrastructure has its own set of quirks. While Tesla drivers often have the luxury of the Supercharger network, non-Tesla EV drivers (think Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai IONIQ 5, or Rivian owners) need to be a bit more strategic. We’ve spent a lot of time navigating the charging landscape in the Olympic City. Here is everything you need to know about powering up at COS.
Key Takeaways: EV Charging at Colorado Springs Airport
- Availability: Level 2 charging is available in the Short-Term parking lot.
- Cost: Charging is currently free, though you must pay the standard hourly/daily parking rates.
- Speed: These are Level 2 chargers (J1772), adding roughly 20-25 miles of range per hour.
- DC Fast Charging: There are no DC fast chargers on airport grounds. The nearest high-speed options are 5-10 minutes away on Powers Blvd.
- Reliability: Ports are limited (only 6 available), so they fill up fast during peak travel seasons.
Is There EV Charging in the COS Short-Term Parking?
Yes, there is. If you are looking for convenience, the Short-Term parking garage is your primary destination.
I’ve found that many travelers miss these because they expect a massive "EV Zone" with neon signs. Instead, the chargers are tucked away near the terminal entrance. Specifically, you’ll find three ChargePoint dual-port stations (totaling six plugs) located on the first level of the Short-Term parking lot. They are situated near the rows closest to the terminal walkway.
Level 2 Charging Locations and Accessibility
These are standard J1772 connectors. If you’re driving a non-Tesla EV, you can plug right in. If you’re in one of our Frontier Tesla rentals, you’ll simply use the J1772 adapter found in the trunk.
The location is ideal for "splash and dash" charging. If you’re picking someone up and have 30 minutes to kill, you can grab a few percentage points of battery for free. However, because there are only six ports, the "ICE-ing" problem (Internal Combustion Engine vehicles parking in EV spots) can occasionally happen, though airport security is generally good about monitoring these stalls.
The Price of Power: How Much Does Charging Cost at COS?
Here’s some good news. As of mid-2024, the actual electricity at Colorado Springs Airport is free for travelers.
But there is a catch. You aren't paying for the electrons, but you are paying for the real estate. To access the chargers, you must enter the Short-Term parking lot.
Understanding the Fee Structure
According to the official Colorado Springs Airport parking rates, Short-Term parking costs:
- First 30 minutes: Free
- 30-60 minutes: $2.00
- Each additional hour: $2.00
- Daily Maximum: $15.00
If you leave your car plugged in for a full day, you’re essentially paying $15 for a full "tank" of energy plus the convenience of parking right next to the terminal. Compared to the $40 or $50 you might spend on a tank of premium gas for a rental SUV, it’s a massive win for your wallet.
Racing the Clock: DC Fast Chargers Near the Rental Car Return
What if you’re returning a rental car and realized you forgot to charge it back to the required level? Or perhaps you’re heading out on a long trek to Royal Gorge and need a 100% charge now?
Level 2 charging at the airport won't help you if you're in a hurry. You need a DC Fast Charger (DCFC). Unfortunately, there are zero DC fast chargers located directly at the COS terminal or the rental car return lot.
The Closest High-Speed Options
Don't panic. You have a few solid options within a five-mile radius. I’ve personally used these when prepping our fleet for customers.
- 7-Eleven (Powers & Milton Proby): This is the "clutch" location. Located at 6615 S Powers Blvd, it’s only about 4 miles from the terminal. They have 7Charge DC fast chargers that can deliver up to 180kW. It’s right on the way to the airport if you’re coming from the north.
- Electrify America (Target on Geyser Dr): A bit further north (about 12 minutes from the airport), this is the most reliable high-speed hub for non-Tesla EVs. With speeds up to 350kW, you can get most EVs from 10% to 80% in about 20-30 minutes.
- Tesla Superchargers: If you’re in a Tesla, there is a Supercharger station at the same Target location on Geyser Drive.
Why Non-Tesla Drivers Have a Different Experience at COS
The "Tesla vs. Everyone Else" debate is real when it comes to airport logistics. Tesla’s integrated navigation automatically tells the car to precondition the battery when you navigate to a charger.
For non-Tesla drivers at COS, you have to be more manual. If you're using the ChargePoint stations in Short-Term parking, I highly recommend downloading the ChargePoint app before you land. Even though the charging is free, you often need the app or an RFID card to "unlock" the handle from the holster.
Navigating the Long-Term Parking Charging Desert
Here is a bit of a "pro tip" that might save you a headache: Do not count on charging in the Long-Term or Economy lots.
Currently, the airport has focused its EV infrastructure on the Short-Term lot. If you are planning to leave your car at the airport for a week-long trip to Cancun, you’ll likely want to charge up before you arrive. Leaving an EV in the Long-Term lot during a Colorado winter can result in 1-2% "vampire drain" per day as the car manages battery temperature. If you arrive with 10%, you might return to a dead car.
We always tell our Frontier Tesla clients: "In Colorado, 20% is the new 0%." Always keep a buffer.
Off-Airport Alternatives: When the On-Site Plugs are Full
What happens if you pull into the Short-Term lot and all six plugs are taken? It happens more often than you’d think, especially on Tuesday mornings when business travel peaks.
If you need a Level 2 charge and the airport is full, check the Peak Innovation Park. This is the massive business development surrounding the airport (home to the Amazon fulfillment center). Several of the newer office buildings have installed J1772 chargers that are often empty.
Another hidden gem is the Hotel Eleganté Conference Center. It’s about 10 minutes away and has historically been very welcoming to EV drivers needing a quick top-off.
Pro Tips for Renting an EV in Colorado Springs
Renting an EV for a Colorado road trip is a brilliant move. The instant torque makes climbing Ute Pass a breeze, and the regenerative braking on the way down from Pikes Peak can actually add miles to your range.
But you need a plan.
- Download the Big Three: Have ChargePoint, Electrify America, and PlugShare installed on your phone.
- Check the Weather: Cold air is denser and increases aerodynamic drag. Combined with the heater, your range can drop by 20-30% in January.
- Use the Seat Heaters: They use much less energy than the cabin's forced-air heater.
The Frontier Tesla Advantage: Stress-Free Charging
At Frontier Tesla, we realized early on that airport charging is the biggest pain point for travelers. That’s why we changed the game.
When you book a self-driving-capable Tesla through us, we don't just point you to the airport parking lot. We offer downtown pickup and drop-off options where the car is guaranteed to be charged and ready. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the mountains.
We’ve found that our customers prefer starting their trip with 90% battery rather than hunting for a plug in a crowded airport garage. It’s about the experience, not just the car.
Frequently Asked Questions About COS EV Charging
1. Is there EV charging available in the COS airport short-term parking?
Yes. There are six Level 2 charging ports (J1772) located on the first level of the Short-Term parking lot, near the terminal entrance.
2. How much does it cost to charge an EV at Colorado Springs Airport?
The electricity is free. However, you must pay the standard parking rates for the Short-Term lot, which is $2 per hour or $15 per day.
3. Are there DC fast chargers near the COS airport rental car return?
No, there are no DC fast chargers on-site. The nearest high-speed chargers are at the 7-Eleven on Powers Blvd (4 miles away) or the Electrify America station on Geyser Dr (approx. 7 miles away).
4. Can I leave my EV plugged in for multiple days?
While not explicitly forbidden, it is generally considered poor etiquette to leave a car plugged into a public Level 2 charger once it is full. Since there are only six spots, it’s best to use these for shorter durations.
5. Do I need my own cable?
No. The ChargePoint stations at COS have integrated cables with J1772 connectors.
Final Thoughts: Powering Your Colorado Adventure
The EV infrastructure at Colorado Springs Airport is a great start, but it’s still growing. For the casual traveler or the business pro on a quick turnaround, the Short-Term lot chargers are a fantastic, cost-effective perk.
But for those of us who live and breathe electric mobility, we know that the real "charging" happens when you’re out on the road, carving through the canyons. Whether you’re driving a non-Tesla EV or one of our premium rentals, a little bit of planning goes a long way.
Next time you land at COS, skip the gas station lines. Head to the Short-Term lot, plug in, and breathe in that crisp mountain air. You’re in Colorado now. Let the car do the work.
Sources
- Colorado Springs Airport Official Parking Page - Details on parking rates and locations.
- ChargePoint Station Map - Real-time availability for the COS airport chargers.
- PlugShare Colorado Springs - User-reported data on charger reliability and "ICE-ing" at COS.
- U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center - Statistics on EV infrastructure growth in El Paso County.