With Colorado expanding the grid for drivers of electric vehicles, it’s easier than ever for EV owners to leave the city behind and explore destinations further afield, including geothermal sites along the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.
Colorado’s scenic byways have long been a favorite means of exploring the state’s majestic landscapes. With the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is expanding the grid for EV charging stations to tap into both tourism and conservation interests. The routes selected for charging station expansion include Colorado’s Scenic Byways, many of which conveniently overlap with the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop (CHHSL).
Colorado’s Electric Byways Are Powering Up
Ensuring that EV drivers have access to dependable charging infrastructure is essential, and this is one of CDOT’s primary goals. Guidelines stipulate that Colorado Electric Byways must have sufficient charging infrastructure in place for EV travelers to complete their journey along the byway. While newer model EVs can go 250 to 300 miles on a full charge, CDOT is taking a more cautious approach to guarantee safety and reliability for drivers. For designation as a Colorado Electric Byway, dual-port DC fast charging stations must be located at least every 100 miles within the start and terminus of the byway.
Just as some traditional fuel vehicle owners might fill up at a half tank while others wait until the low fuel light illuminates. EV owners also have varied comfort levels and opinions on when it’s best to recharge. However, if using CDOT’s parameters of 100 miles between charging stations, the CHHSL isn’t quite a closed loop. The greatest distances between hot springs destinations without charging facilities occurs on the section that stretches from Salida to Pagosa Springs and onto Durango.
Plugging In on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
EV drivers can jump in on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop at any number of points. Along the route, there are numerous EV charging stations, most conveniently located at gas stations, shopping centers and hotels. Some are even situated in town parks or ski areas in Colorado. And as EVs continue to rise in popularity, there are more and more charging stations popping up in Western Colorado all the time.
For the best experience, map your hot springs trip out ahead of time by using an app like ChargeHub which provides a complete and up-to-date list of Colorado EV charging stations. Here are a few places to plug in along the CHHSL or within close proximity of the route.
Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen, Paonia, Crested Butte, Buena Vista, Leadville, Durango, Vail, Steamboat Springs, Montrose, Ridgway, Salida and Telluride
EVs produce zero emissions, which means they don’t contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Driving the CHHSL using EV charging stations along the way is a great way to experience both Colorado’s amazing natural hot springs and its beauty while minimizing your environmental impact.
Consult the map and hit the road to start your CHHSL journey today!
