The Town of Vail envisions a future in which transportation and mobility cease to create greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution. The best, most equitable way to achieve this vision is to encourage our community members and visitors to walk, bike, carpool and use public transit. If a trip requires a personal automobile, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits compared with those with strictly internal combustion engines.

Transition to Electric Vehicles

In October of 2021, Vail Town Council adopted Resolution No. 48, Series of 2021, to become a designated GoEV City. Through this designation, Vail has committed to transitioning 30% of all registered vehicles in Vail to electric or zero emissions by 2030 and 100% by 2050. 

This designation signifies the Town’s commitment to advancing our transition to electric vehicles by prioritizing eight key goals in the areas of EV Infrastructure, Fleet Electrification, Policy, Community Readiness and Micro-mobility. Learn more about the EV Readiness Plan and related goals and strategies. 

Community EV readiness means that owning and operating an EV in the Town of Vail is as easy or easier than a conventional vehicle, that community awareness and adoption of EVs is widespread, that barriers to ownership are minimal, and that access to the benefits of EVs are available to all.  The Town of Vail will be a leader in the adoption and use of electric fleet vehicles and the deployment of public charging infrastructure. In addition, we will develop policy and programs that support the rapid and equitable adoption of EVs. Vail currently offers a rebate for residents who purchase an EV or install an EV charging station. Learn more here. 

Charging in Vail

 

To accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicle charging capacity, we currently have 13 dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle public charging stations. These stations are currently free to use and can be found in the Vail Village, Lionshead, and Red Sandstone parking structures, as well as at the town's municipal parking lot. Additionally, the town owns and operates 4 single-port DC fast charging stations in the short-term parking area of the Lionshead parking structure. There is a $0.20/kwh cost associated with these stations. In total, the town has 30 EV charging ports, including both Level 2 and DCFC stations, with more planned for the future.

Charge for energy used: $0.20/kWh
Charge timed rate: $0.25/minute (charge will be assessed even if vehicle is done charging)

Parking in a charging station while not actively charging an electric vehicle is illegal per Colorado State Statue 43-2-1214. Persons are prohibited from:

• Parking in the space if the vehicle is not an electric vehicle;
• Using a dedicated charging station for parking if the electric vehicle is not charging.

The penalty for a violation is a $150 fine.

For more information contact the Parking Operations Office at 970-479-2445, or visit chargepoint.com for all statewide and national charging locations.

Charging Station Locations in Vail

Vail Village Parking Structure

• Level 1 – Southeast end of the structure, section T, one charging station with one port.
• Level 2 – Driving up the ramp from Level 1, section T, two charging stations with four ports. Section HH, one charging station with two ports.
• Level 3 – West end of the structure next to the pedestrian exit, section A two charging stations with four ports.

Lionshead Parking Structure

• Level 1 – Southeast end of the structure, one charging station with two ports.
• Level 1 – In the short term parking area (paid Level 3 fast charging stations), four stations with 4 ports.

The cost for using the Level 3 DC Fast Charger is a combination of energy and time used while charging.

Charge for energy used at DC fast chargers: $0.20/kWh with a 1.5 hour time limit (fees apply above time)

Red Sandstone Parking Structure

• Level 1 –Northwest corner with 2 ports
• Level 2 –One station with two ports directly upon entry
• Level 3 – Two stations with four ports along the north wall
• Level 4 - One station with two ports in the northwest corner

Municipal Building - For employees or municipal business only

• One station with two ports along the north side of the parking lot
• One station with two ports in the northeast corner of the municipal lot