DEL NORTE - Electric vehicle owners will soon be able to charge their vehicles in Del Norte. The charging station is located at 595 Columbia Avenue, 1 block South of Highway 160, (Grande Avenue), across the street from Del Norte post office. A grant from Colorado Energy Office will provide funds to help defray equipment and installation costs.

Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more popular. Energy savings are substantial over a gasoline powered vehicle. Electric cars were in production as early as 1898.

Two charging options are available – DC Fast Charge will charge a fully depleted battery in about 40 minutes. One hour of charging with a Level Two charger will add approximately 25 miles driving range.

The DC Fast Charger is designed to provide a vehicle with a relatively short charging time. A traveler will be able to enjoy a meal, shop at local businesses, or walk around town while the vehicle is charging, then back on the road. The Level Two Charger is designed for a person traveling to perhaps spend the night at a local hotel. Approximately eight hours of charging will fully charge an electric vehicle.

ChargePoint supplied the charging equipment. Electric vehicle drivers have an app which directs them to electric vehicle charging stations across the United States. Information can also be found at https://na.chargepoint.com

Other nearby ChargePoint charging stations are located in Alamosa, Creede, Durango, Lake City and Pagosa Springs.

Owners of many popular electric vehicles such as Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla are able to charge at ChargePoint charging stations.