You’re standing at the base of Pikes Peak, the "America’s Mountain," looking up at a summit that pierces the clouds at over 14,000 feet. It’s breathtaking. But if you’re behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, your mind might be drifting away from the scenery and toward your battery percentage. I get it. Range anxiety is real, but "charging anxiety"—the fear of being overcharged for a charge—is often what keeps tourists from fully embracing the EV experience in the Rockies.
At Frontier Tesla, we see this every day. Travelers pick up a Model 3 from our downtown locations, ready to hit the Garden of the Gods, but they immediately ask: "What is this going to cost me?"
The good news? Colorado Springs is surprisingly affordable for EV drivers, provided you know where to plug in. While Tesla Superchargers are the gold standard for speed, many of our guests want to explore the wider network of CCS and Level 2 chargers scattered across El Paso County.
Here is the ground truth about the EV charging cost Colorado Springs residents and visitors can expect when they step away from the Supercharger network.
The Real Cost of Powering Your Rocky Mountain Adventure
Calculating your fuel costs in a gas car is simple: look at the big sign with the spinning numbers. In the EV world, it’s a bit more nuanced. You aren't paying by the gallon; you’re paying by the kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Think of a kWh like a "gallon" of electricity. A standard Tesla Model 3 Long Range has roughly an 82 kWh battery. If you’re paying $0.35 per kWh, a full "tank" costs about $28.70. Compare that to the $50 or $60 you’d spend filling up a mid-sized SUV at a local Shell station, and the math starts looking very attractive.
But rates vary wildly based on who owns the charger and how fast it pumps power into your car.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Price per kWh for DC Fast Charging
If you’re on a road trip, you don't have time to sit for eight hours at a slow charger. You need DC Fast Charging (DCFC). This is the high-voltage stuff that gets you back on the road in 20 to 40 minutes.
In Colorado Springs, the non-Tesla DCFC landscape is dominated by three main players: Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), Electrify America, and EVgo.
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Public Stations
CSU has been proactive about installing infrastructure. Their public fast chargers are often the most cost-effective option in the city.
- Current Rates: As of mid-2024, CSU typically charges around $0.30 to $0.35 per kWh for their DC fast chargers.
- The Catch: Some locations may have a small session fee (usually $1.00 to $2.00) or transition to time-based pricing if the station is older, though most have moved to the fairer per-kWh model.
Electrify America (EA)
Located primarily near major shopping centers like the First & Main Town Center, EA is the heavy hitter for non-Tesla fast charging.
- Guest/Non-Member Rate: Expect to pay roughly $0.56 to $0.64 per kWh.
- Pass+ Members: If you’re here for a month, the $7 monthly membership drops the price to about $0.42 per kWh.
- Observation: I’ve found that EA stations are the most likely to have a wait during peak summer tourist weekends.
EVgo
You’ll find these tucked away in various parking lots, including some grocery stores.
- Rates: They often use a tiered system based on your membership level, but guest rates usually hover around $0.50 to $0.55 per kWh during peak hours (2:00 PM to 9:00 PM) and slightly less during off-peak times.
Hunting for "Free" Juice: Level 2 Charging for Tourists
Can you actually charge for free in Colorado Springs? Yes. But there’s a trade-off.
Free chargers are almost exclusively "Level 2." These are the equivalent of a dryer outlet. They add about 20–30 miles of range per hour. They are perfect for when you’re sleeping, eating a long brunch downtown, or hiking for four hours.
Downtown Parking Garages and Public Spaces
The City of Colorado Springs has integrated EV charging into several of its municipal parking structures.
- The Tejon St. Garages: Several garages downtown offer Level 2 charging. While you still have to pay the hourly parking fee (usually $1–$2), the electricity itself is often provided at no additional cost or a very low flat rate.
- Public Libraries: The Pikes Peak Library District has been a champion of EV adoption. The East Library and 21c locations have historically offered free Level 2 charging to patrons. It’s a great way to top off while you use the Wi-Fi to plan your next trail.
Hospitality and Hotel Charging
This is the "pro tip" for any EV tourist. According to a 2023 hospitality survey, hotels with EV charging see a 15% higher occupancy rate among premium travelers.
- The Broadmoor: This iconic resort offers valet charging for guests. It’s not "free" in the sense that the room is cheap, but the convenience is unmatched.
- Cheyenne Mountain Resort: They offer several J1772 chargers (the standard non-Tesla plug) for guests.
- The Mining Exchange: Located right downtown, this is a prime spot for Frontier Tesla renters to plug in overnight.
Always check PlugShare before you go. It’s the "Yelp of EV charging." Users post real-time updates on whether a "free" charger is actually working or if it has been restricted to customers only.
The Weekend Rental Math: What You’ll Actually Spend
Let’s get practical. You’ve rented a Tesla Model 3 from us for a Friday-to-Sunday stint. You plan to hit Garden of the Gods, drive to the top of Pikes Peak, and maybe grab dinner in Manitou Springs.
How much will you spend on "fuel"?
The Scenario: 200 Miles of Mountain Driving
Mountain driving is unique. You’ll burn a lot of energy going up, but thanks to regenerative braking, you’ll actually gain battery percentage coming back down the mountain. It’s a trip.
- Total Energy Needed: Approximately 60 kWh (accounting for the thin air and steep grades).
- Option A: The "Thrifty" Route. You use a free Level 2 charger downtown while eating dinner and top off at a CSU station.
- Cost: ~20 kWh at $0.00 + 40 kWh at $0.32 = $12.80.
- Option B: The "Convenience" Route. You rely solely on Electrify America or EVgo fast chargers to save time.
- Cost: 60 kWh at $0.56 = $33.60.
Even in the "expensive" scenario, you are spending significantly less than the $45–$55 it would cost to fuel a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for the same trip, especially considering the premium gas many rental fleets require.
Navigating the Apps: PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Beyond
If you’re driving a gas car, you just need a credit card. In an EV, you need an app. Or five.
To get the best EV charging cost Colorado Springs has to offer, I recommend downloading these before you land at COS or Denver International:
- PlugShare: For finding the free stuff and reading reliability reports.
- ChargePoint: They manage many of the Level 2 stations in public garages.
- Electrify America: Essential for fast charging along the I-25 corridor.
- CSU MyAccount: If you plan on using the local utility chargers frequently.
Avoiding the "Idle Fee" Trap
Here is something that catches tourists off guard: Idle Fees.
Most charging networks start billing you by the minute once your car is finished charging if you’re still parked there. At an Electrify America station, this can be as high as $0.40 per minute.
I’ve seen people go into a movie, leave their car plugged in, and come out to a "fueling" bill that costs more than the movie tickets and the popcorn combined. Don’t be that person. Set a timer on your phone.
Why Renting a Tesla Doesn't Mean You're Stuck with Superchargers
At Frontier Tesla, we provide a J1772 adapter with every rental. This is the "universal" adapter. It allows our Teslas to use almost any Level 2 charger in the city.
Why does this matter for your wallet? Because it gives you access to the cheaper (and sometimes free) municipal and hotel charging that is often closer to your destination than a Supercharger.
Superchargers are great for the "big gulp" of power. But the local chargers are like "sipping" throughout the day. If you’re staying at an Airbnb with an outdoor outlet, we even provide a mobile connector. Charging from a standard 120V wall outlet is slow (about 3–4 miles of range per hour), but if the car sits for 12 hours overnight, that’s 40 free miles. Over a weekend, that adds up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average price per kWh for DC fast charging in Colorado Springs?
The average price for non-Tesla DC fast charging in Colorado Springs is between $0.32 and $0.56 per kWh. Colorado Springs Utilities offers the lowest rates, while private networks like Electrify America are on the higher end for non-members.
Where can I find free EV charging in Colorado Springs?
Free Level 2 charging is available at several downtown municipal garages (with paid parking), select Pikes Peak Library District locations, and many hotels like The Broadmoor or Cheyenne Mountain Resort for staying guests. Use the PlugShare app to filter for "Free" stations.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than to buy gas in Colorado?
Yes. Even at the most expensive fast-charging rates ($0.64/kWh), the cost per mile is typically 20–30% lower than a gasoline vehicle averaging 25 MPG. If you use local utility chargers or free Level 2 stations, your savings can exceed 70%.
Do I need a special account to charge in Colorado Springs?
Most stations require an app-based account (ChargePoint, Electrify America, or EVgo). However, many newer stations now accept direct credit card payments, though you may pay a higher "guest" rate compared to account holders.
Key Takeaways for Your Trip
- CSU is your friend: Use Colorado Springs Utilities stations for the best balance of speed and price.
- ABC (Always Be Charging): Plug in at your hotel or downtown garages to take advantage of low-cost Level 2 power.
- Watch the clock: Avoid idle fees by moving your car as soon as it reaches your desired charge level (usually 80% for fast charging).
- Regen is real: Don't panic when your battery drops quickly going up Pikes Peak; you'll gain a significant portion of it back on the way down.
Colorado Springs is one of the most EV-friendly cities in the Mountain West. By understanding the EV charging cost Colorado Springs providers set, you can stop worrying about the bill and start focusing on the view from the top of the world.
Ready to experience the Rockies in a self-driving-capable Tesla? Book your ride with Frontier Tesla today and pick it up right downtown. We’ll even make sure it’s charged and ready for your first climb.
Sources
- Colorado Springs Utilities - EV Pricing - Official utility rates for public charging.
- PlugShare - Colorado Springs Map - Real-time user data on charger availability and pricing.
- Electrify America - Pricing Structure - Standard guest and member rates for DCFC.
- U.S. Department of Energy - Alternative Fuels Data Center - National and regional EV infrastructure statistics.