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The Current State of Fast Charging in the Olympic City

Frontier Tesla··8 min read·1,890 words

You've just picked up a sleek Tesla Model 3 from our Frontier Tesla hub in downtown Colorado Springs. The mountains are calling, the regenerative braking is ready for the descent from Pikes Peak, and the "self-driving" capability is set to make your trek across the Front Range effortless. But then, the reality of the road hits: you aren't just driving; you're managing a battery. While Tesla’s Supercharger network is legendary for its convenience, many of our renters—and local EV enthusiasts—often ask us how to navigate the landscape of non-Tesla fast chargers. Whether you're driving a rental from a competitor or simply want to explore the broader infrastructure of the Olympic City, finding cheap EV fast chargers in Colorado Springs is a skill that pays dividends.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours scouting the best plugs in El Paso County. Here’s the thing: the "cheapest" option isn't always the one with the lowest price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It’s about the intersection of speed, location, and utility-backed discounts. If you're looking to keep your road trip budget under control without spending three hours tethered to a Level 2 pedestal at a grocery store, you need a strategy.

The Current State of Fast Charging in the Olympic City

Colorado Springs has seen a massive influx of charging infrastructure over the last 24 months. We’ve moved past the era where a single lonely charger at a car dealership was your only hope. Today, the city is a hub for Electrify America, EVgo, and Francis Energy. But for the budget-conscious driver, the landscape is a bit of a minefield. Commercial rates can fluctuate wildly based on the time of day and your membership status.

What we’ve learned at Frontier Tesla is that most visitors underestimate the impact of local utility involvement. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) isn't just a power provider; they are an active architect of the local EV ecosystem. This involvement directly affects what you pay at the plug.

Where are the Most Affordable Non-Tesla Fast Chargers in Colorado Springs?

If you are hunting for the absolute lowest price for a DC Fast Charger (DCFC) that isn't behind the Tesla "walled garden," your first stop should be the stations managed or subsidized by Colorado Springs Utilities. Specifically, the chargers located near the CSU main offices and certain municipal lots tend to offer the most stable, low-cost pricing.

Currently, the most affordable non-Tesla fast chargers in Colorado Springs are often found at the Electrify America station located at the Walmart Supercenter on Razorback Road (Station #100037). While Electrify America is a national brand, their "Pass+" membership—which costs about $7 a month—drops the price per kWh significantly. For a single long-distance rental, this membership often pays for itself in just two charging sessions.

Another contender for the "cheapest" title is the Francis Energy network. They have strategically placed high-speed chargers (up to 200kW) that often undercut the per-minute or per-kWh pricing of EVgo. Look for their stations near major transit corridors; they are designed for quick turnarounds and high efficiency.

Does Colorado Springs Utilities Offer Discounted EV Charging Rates?

This is the question we get most often from savvy locals. The answer is a resounding yes, but there’s a catch: the best discounts are usually tied to when you charge rather than where. Colorado Springs Utilities operates on a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate structure for many of its services.

For residential customers, CSU offers a "Whole Home" TOU rate that makes overnight charging incredibly cheap. But what about you, the person driving a rental or visiting from out of town? CSU has partnered with various entities to ensure that public charging remains competitive. While there isn't a "discount code" for tourists, the base rates at CSU-supported public stations are often 15-20% lower than the peak-hour rates you’ll find at commercial-only stations in Denver or Boulder.

I’ve found that charging between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM at any CSU-connected Level 2 station is almost negligible in cost, but for fast chargers, the "discount" is baked into the lack of "demand charges" that other cities pass on to the consumer. According to data from the Colorado Energy Office, Colorado Springs remains one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the Mountain West for EV fuel costs, largely due to CSU’s diversified energy portfolio.

Are There Any Free Fast Chargers Left in the Colorado Springs Area?

Let’s be honest: the "free lunch" era of EV charging is fading fast. However, if you are willing to look, there are still a few "zero-cost" gems in the Springs. But here is the distinction you must make: are you looking for a Fast Charger or just a Charger?

Free DC Fast Charging (Level 3) is virtually non-existent in 2026. Most businesses realized that giving away 50kW+ of power for free was a recipe for a line of cars stretching around the block. That said, some local car dealerships, such as those in the Liberty Heights area, occasionally offer free fast charging to the public as a "loss leader" to get people onto the lot. It’s a gamble, and I wouldn't plan a trip around it.

However, if you can settle for Level 2 charging (which adds about 20-30 miles of range per hour), the city is much more generous. The parking garages downtown—specifically the Nevada Avenue and Tejon Street garages—often offer free charging for the first few hours with the price of parking. It’s a fantastic way to "top off" while you grab dinner at The Rabbit Hole or browse the shops.

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Charging: Speed vs. Price

When searching for cheap EV fast chargers in Colorado Springs, don't ignore the "speed" variable. A charger that costs $0.30 per kWh but only delivers 50kW is actually "more expensive" in terms of your time than a $0.45 per kWh charger that delivers 350kW.

For our Frontier Tesla clients, we always recommend the 150kW+ stations. Why? Because the Model 3’s battery architecture is designed to soak up those electrons fast. If you spend 90 minutes at a "cheap" slow charger, you’ve lost an hour of your vacation. Is that hour worth the $5 you saved? Probably not.

A Quick Comparison of Local Networks

  1. Electrify America (Walmart, Razorback Rd): Best for raw speed (up to 350kW). Use the app for discounted rates.
  2. EVgo (Various locations): Great reliability, but often the most expensive per kWh unless you have a Nissan or BMW partnership.
  3. ChargePoint: Highly variable. Some are free (Level 2), others are pricey (DCFC). Always check the app before you put it in Drive.
  4. Francis Energy: The "dark horse" of the Springs. Reliable, fast, and often located in areas with less "charger congestion."

Strategic Charging: How to Outsmart the Crowds

The "cheap" chargers are often the busiest. To truly optimize your experience, I recommend using the "PlugShare" app. It’s the gold standard for real-time data. You can filter by "Minimum Power" (set it to 100kW) and "Price."

One pro-tip we give our renters: if the Electrify America stations are full, head south toward the Broadmoor area. There are several "hidden" chargers at higher-end retail locations that, while not free, are often unoccupied and offer very competitive rates because they aren't on the "main" tourist path.

The Impact of Altitude on Your Charging Needs

Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet. If you’re heading up to the summit of Pikes Peak, you’re going to burn through a lot of kWh. But here’s the magic of an EV: the way down. Regenerative braking can actually add 10-15% of your battery back on the descent.

I’ve seen drivers panic because they hit the summit with 15% battery. Don't be that person. You don't need a fast charger at the top; you just need gravity. Once you’re back in the city, you can hit one of the cheap EV fast chargers in Colorado Springs to get back to a comfortable 80%.

Why We Choose Colorado Springs for Frontier Tesla

We chose this city because it represents the future of the American West. It’s a place where rugged nature meets high-tech infrastructure. The commitment from Colorado Springs Utilities to keep rates low and the aggressive expansion of non-Tesla charging networks makes this the perfect playground for electric mobility.

We don't just want to rent you a car; we want you to experience the freedom of the road without the "range anxiety" or the "wallet anxiety" that often comes with new technology. By leveraging the CSU discounts and knowing exactly where the affordable plugs are, you can spend your money on an extra round of craft beers at a local brewery instead of on electrons.

Key Takeaways for the Budget-Conscious EV Driver

  • Join the Clubs: Download the Electrify America and EVgo apps before you arrive. The "member" rates are significantly lower.
  • Time it Right: If possible, avoid charging during the 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM peak window when some commercial stations implement "surge" pricing.
  • CSU is Your Friend: Look for municipal-backed stations for the most consistent pricing.
  • Level 2 for "Free": Use downtown parking garages for free Level 2 charging while you explore on foot.
  • Check the Speed: Don't sacrifice two hours of your life to save $4 at a slow "fast" charger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charging in the Springs

Q: Can I use a non-Tesla charger for my Frontier Tesla rental? A: Absolutely! All our Teslas come with a J1772 adapter for Level 2 charging. For DC Fast Charging at non-Tesla stations (like Electrify America), you will need a CCS adapter. We provide these upon request, so just ask when you pick up your car!

Q: Is it cheaper to Supercharge or use a third-party fast charger? A: Generally, Tesla Superchargers are very competitively priced and offer the most seamless experience. However, if you have an Electrify America Pass+ membership, you can sometimes find rates that are $0.05 to $0.10 cheaper per kWh than the Supercharger.

Q: What happens if I run out of charge? A: First, don't panic. The car will give you multiple warnings. If you do hit 0%, our roadside assistance is available 24/7. But with the density of cheap EV fast chargers in Colorado Springs, this is very rare for our guests.

Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead

The transition to electric mobility is happening faster in Colorado than almost anywhere else in the country. With the state's aggressive tax credits and the local utility's forward-thinking approach, the "cost to drive" is plummeting. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor renting one of our self-driving-capable Teslas, you are part of a movement that values both the environment and the bottom line.

Next time you're cruising down I-25 with the Garden of the Gods in your rearview mirror, take a second to appreciate the silence of the motor and the fullness of your wallet. You've mastered the art of the "cheap charge," and the road is yours.

Ready to experience the future? Book your Tesla Model 3 today and see why Colorado Springs is the ultimate EV destination.

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