City of Grand Junction Electric Vehicle Program

We are excited that City Council approved the Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan on Sept. 6, 2023. The City utilized Xcel’s Partners in Energy free consultation service to lead and create the plan alongside City staff. Please take a few minutes and check out the documents and articles about Electric Vehicles we have shared here. You can also tell us your ideas for how the City can incorporate EVs into everyday life in Grand Junction, suggest locations for charging stations by pinning a location on the map, and sign up for updates by following the project. This new engagement platform was designed to help our community get involved and help make decisions that impact our quality of life in Grand Junction.

Ready for EVs

Located at the crossroads of two major regional travel corridors, Grand Junction is uniquely situated to benefit from the ongoing transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Nearly 10% of newly registered vehicles in Colorado in 2022 were EVs, making the state a top-five national leader in EV adoption, and almost a million Colorado-registered EVs are expected to be on the road by 2030. Affordability and charging flexibility continue to improve in the EV market, and the City’s EV readiness plan will engage with all members of our community and seek to provide fair access to help create realistic EV-related opportunities across the entire community. Collaborating with XCEL Energy’s “Partners in Energy” program enables the City to access charging infrastructure funding and rebate opportunities to help realize this goal. An EV Action Team has been deployed to play a critical role in supporting the completion of the plan in addition to gathering information and suggestions from the community. The EV Action Team will help ensure the final plan is inclusive, focuses on the equitable distribution of resources, and reflects diverse perspectives.

By implementing infrastructure and policies that attract EV-driving travelers and local and regional commuters, the City sees an opportunity to become a vital regional charging hub. For this reason, the City is now preparing an EV readiness plan to ensure the City has established a framework to capture this opportunity for the benefit of our entire community. We want to hear from you!

Ready for EVs

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Please use this tool to leave a question or comment about the Draft REV Plan. The draft plan is now available for review until August 16, 2023.

Share I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!! on Facebook Share I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!! on Twitter Share I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!! on Linkedin Email I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!! link

I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!!

tpartsch asked 9 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this plan. Do keep in mind that going forward, charging at any public stations will have a cost for users, so that charging costs do not fall to taxpayers who may or may not drive an EV themselves.
Share More of an observation than a question. I read the draft plan and all of the articles. Nowhere did I see any cons of EV's, only the pros. I'm assuming, based on physics, that battery drain will increase while climbing or towing, similar to decreased gas mileage in a gas or diesel vehicle. Why no mention of this in all of your documents? Why no mention that EV pickups can't tow a camper or trailer nearly as far as an ICE vehicle? They make electric construction equipment. Charge time is more than double the amount of time it takes to drain the battery. There goes any efficiency on a job site. Not to mention the amount of ebvironmental damage caused by the mining operations for the minerals needed for batteries. Don't forget the fact that there are municipalities banning the charging of E scooters and E bikes indoors due to fires caused by the batteries. Make sure you upgrade fitefighting apparatus to be able to fight EV fires. And who is going to foot the bill for the electricity used at the EV charging stations. It shouldn't be the taxpayers. If the City does offer free charging, I expect a check each month for my fuel costs for my ICE vehicle. on Facebook Share More of an observation than a question. I read the draft plan and all of the articles. Nowhere did I see any cons of EV's, only the pros. I'm assuming, based on physics, that battery drain will increase while climbing or towing, similar to decreased gas mileage in a gas or diesel vehicle. Why no mention of this in all of your documents? Why no mention that EV pickups can't tow a camper or trailer nearly as far as an ICE vehicle? They make electric construction equipment. Charge time is more than double the amount of time it takes to drain the battery. There goes any efficiency on a job site. Not to mention the amount of ebvironmental damage caused by the mining operations for the minerals needed for batteries. Don't forget the fact that there are municipalities banning the charging of E scooters and E bikes indoors due to fires caused by the batteries. Make sure you upgrade fitefighting apparatus to be able to fight EV fires. And who is going to foot the bill for the electricity used at the EV charging stations. It shouldn't be the taxpayers. If the City does offer free charging, I expect a check each month for my fuel costs for my ICE vehicle. on Twitter Share More of an observation than a question. I read the draft plan and all of the articles. Nowhere did I see any cons of EV's, only the pros. I'm assuming, based on physics, that battery drain will increase while climbing or towing, similar to decreased gas mileage in a gas or diesel vehicle. Why no mention of this in all of your documents? Why no mention that EV pickups can't tow a camper or trailer nearly as far as an ICE vehicle? They make electric construction equipment. Charge time is more than double the amount of time it takes to drain the battery. There goes any efficiency on a job site. Not to mention the amount of ebvironmental damage caused by the mining operations for the minerals needed for batteries. Don't forget the fact that there are municipalities banning the charging of E scooters and E bikes indoors due to fires caused by the batteries. Make sure you upgrade fitefighting apparatus to be able to fight EV fires. And who is going to foot the bill for the electricity used at the EV charging stations. It shouldn't be the taxpayers. If the City does offer free charging, I expect a check each month for my fuel costs for my ICE vehicle. on Linkedin Email More of an observation than a question. I read the draft plan and all of the articles. Nowhere did I see any cons of EV's, only the pros. I'm assuming, based on physics, that battery drain will increase while climbing or towing, similar to decreased gas mileage in a gas or diesel vehicle. Why no mention of this in all of your documents? Why no mention that EV pickups can't tow a camper or trailer nearly as far as an ICE vehicle? They make electric construction equipment. Charge time is more than double the amount of time it takes to drain the battery. There goes any efficiency on a job site. Not to mention the amount of ebvironmental damage caused by the mining operations for the minerals needed for batteries. Don't forget the fact that there are municipalities banning the charging of E scooters and E bikes indoors due to fires caused by the batteries. Make sure you upgrade fitefighting apparatus to be able to fight EV fires. And who is going to foot the bill for the electricity used at the EV charging stations. It shouldn't be the taxpayers. If the City does offer free charging, I expect a check each month for my fuel costs for my ICE vehicle. link

More of an observation than a question. I read the draft plan and all of the articles. Nowhere did I see any cons of EV's, only the pros. I'm assuming, based on physics, that battery drain will increase while climbing or towing, similar to decreased gas mileage in a gas or diesel vehicle. Why no mention of this in all of your documents? Why no mention that EV pickups can't tow a camper or trailer nearly as far as an ICE vehicle? They make electric construction equipment. Charge time is more than double the amount of time it takes to drain the battery. There goes any efficiency on a job site. Not to mention the amount of ebvironmental damage caused by the mining operations for the minerals needed for batteries. Don't forget the fact that there are municipalities banning the charging of E scooters and E bikes indoors due to fires caused by the batteries. Make sure you upgrade fitefighting apparatus to be able to fight EV fires. And who is going to foot the bill for the electricity used at the EV charging stations. It shouldn't be the taxpayers. If the City does offer free charging, I expect a check each month for my fuel costs for my ICE vehicle.

Notoelectricvehicles asked 9 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to read the plan and share your concerns. We appreciate hearing from all of our community members. The City does not anticipate providing any new public EV charging free of cost, and the charging that will occur at any preexisting or future public charging stations will entail a fee for use. In terms of fleet performance, the City’s fleet manager takes a long-term view of vehicle replacement schedules and City needs, including with a variety of compressed natural gas, diesel, electric, and ICE vehicles. Federal EV incentives are now prioritizing battery materials that are sourced more responsibly in North America, but the mining of battery materials does remain an environmental concern—one that has to be weighed against the health and environmental cost of tailpipe emissions of ICE vehicles, which are the number one greenhouse gas emissions source in Grand Junction and in the state of Colorado.
Share Using the metric of installed charging stations as an indicator of preparedness for anticipated charging demand is short sighted. The metric needs to be the number of functioning charging stations. Nationwide (and even here in Grand Junction) a significant percentage of charging station are not functioning when an EV driver arrives to charge. on Facebook Share Using the metric of installed charging stations as an indicator of preparedness for anticipated charging demand is short sighted. The metric needs to be the number of functioning charging stations. Nationwide (and even here in Grand Junction) a significant percentage of charging station are not functioning when an EV driver arrives to charge. on Twitter Share Using the metric of installed charging stations as an indicator of preparedness for anticipated charging demand is short sighted. The metric needs to be the number of functioning charging stations. Nationwide (and even here in Grand Junction) a significant percentage of charging station are not functioning when an EV driver arrives to charge. on Linkedin Email Using the metric of installed charging stations as an indicator of preparedness for anticipated charging demand is short sighted. The metric needs to be the number of functioning charging stations. Nationwide (and even here in Grand Junction) a significant percentage of charging station are not functioning when an EV driver arrives to charge. link

Using the metric of installed charging stations as an indicator of preparedness for anticipated charging demand is short sighted. The metric needs to be the number of functioning charging stations. Nationwide (and even here in Grand Junction) a significant percentage of charging station are not functioning when an EV driver arrives to charge.

wahartung asked 9 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments on the draft plan. While the City currently only owns three public EV chargers, they and all future public chargers will be monitored by the City Parking Services office, as well as by staff from the Sustainability Division. While the City cannot maintain other chargers owned by other entities, we will strive to ensure that City-owned chargers are well-maintained and functional.
Share Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road. on Facebook Share Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road. on Twitter Share Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road. on Linkedin Email Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road. link

Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road.

mtnman93 asked 9 months ago

Thank you for taking time to contribute comments to this plan. Lunch Loops trailhead is part of ongoing City plans to provide more public charging infrastructure through state and federal grant programs, as is the upcoming Jurassic Flats trailhead. EngageGJ does offer a map tool where community members are able to add pins to locations in Grand Junction that they feel charging should be considered. If you haven't yet added a pin to the maps feature, you are still able to do so.
Share I think this draft plan is overall really well done and I am impressed. I do have a few comments and questions: Page 6: "Grand Junction's EV Baseline" graphic-does not recognize the number of Level 1 and Level 2 home chargers in use. This is difficult to know exactly, but would help educate people to the fact that they do not need to use a public Level 2 or Level 3 charger....most people can charge at home. Page 10 "Equitable Charging" Excellent points; I wonder if there could be a city incentive for landlords to install EV chargers at their properties, since I believe rental houses do not qualify for Inflation Reduction Act rebates Page 11 "Though upfront costs of EVs are still greater, this gap is expected to decrease" This is not necessarily the case any more with federal and the new state rebates which increase even more on Jan. 1 2024. For example, a Tesla Model 3 currently starts at $41,880 before rebates. The average cost of a new car in the USA is currently $48,008 (Car and Driver as of April 2023). With a rebate, the Tesla is only $29,380, which is significantly less than average new car price. The notion that EVs are more expensive than ICE cars is a myth that should be dispelled here, not encouraged. Yes, there are some very expensive EVs out there that make the average higher, most EVs are much closer or lower than ICE costs. Page 19: Typo/data omission: "...Grand Junction could expect to see increased EV adoption, as shown in Error! Reference source not found." Page 26: Additional Informational and Capacity Resources is Drive Electric Colorado (https://driveelectriccolorado.org/) Page 29: Strategy CA-3: I was in Washington DC earlier this summer and amazed the the number of Lime e-bikes there were in addition to scooters. Is there a reason we can't allow Lime and/or Bird to introduce their e-bikes in addition to scooters in our market? Many people are more familiar and comfortable on a bike, and this could help introduce people to e-bikes, and enable them to use one without purchasing one Page 33: typo on top "Many of these communities have limited access to EV charging currently and include locations identified by community members as potential sites for future charging, as shown in Figure 10Error! Reference source not found" Page 33: As an EV driver for 7 years, one of the most convenient charging locations for road tripping that I've experienced are Level 2 chargers at hotels. Being able to arrive with 10% battery and then charge overnight while sleeping is unprecedented convenience. I'm at the point where I rarely stay at a hotel without Level 2 charging. Partnering with hotels is a great way to engage private charging hosts in Grand Junction while also helping with the tourism industry (and though I've never seen it marketed strongly by a hotel, it could make a great targeted marketing campaign. Page 33: private charging hosts: It is astounding that aside from the new Hotel Maverick, Colorado Mesa University does not have a single EV charger on campus. CMU should be a leader and offer charging to faculty, staff, guests, and students in their parking garages and lots. Page 34: "Identify property owners, developers, and/or businesses in priority locations, for example, hotels, motels, gas stations, and convenience stores for Level 2 charging" Level 2 charging is great for motels and hotels, but make no sense for gas stations and convenience stores. Who wants to spend hours and hours at a gas station or convenience store? They are suited for Level 3 charging, not Level 2. Strategy PC-3, page 38-39. The State of Colorado already has EV parking and signage requirements through HB19-1298, which assigns penalties for misusing a dedicated EV parking spot (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1298) Strategy FE-2, page 44: As a representative for the Western Colorado EV Club and Western Colorado Tesla Club, we would be happy to help with education of city leadership and staff in any way we can. Page 55: I see so many misconceptions, rumors, and untrue statements in the "Barriers to EV Adoption" column. So much education is needed! Page 56: The digital mapping tool that is cited as needed already exists as an app/website called Plugshare. Virtually every EV driver uses it, and would never look at a landing page on, for example, downtowngj.org for EV charging info. Page 58/59: What is a "neighborhood EV"? I have never heard this term and had to look it up. This might lessen Mr. Brown's concern about EVs being more dangerous to pedestrians (despite often having automatic emergency braking for pedestrians), but then the safety concern switches to the occupants and drivers of such vehicles, which typically lack airbags and other safety features. Furthermore, many of these neighborhood EVs are only street-legal on roads with speed limits lower than 35 mph, which severely limits their use in Grand Junction. I find it hard to accept that residents would spend money on a vehicle with such limited purpose...my experience is that people tend to want one vehicle that can do everything, which is why so many people drive 4x4s and trucks and rarely use them as 4x4s Page 72: The State of Colorado EV Tax Credit information is outdated. Starting Jan 1, 2024, the state of Colorado will offer up to $7500 credit for a new EV purchase (depending on price), not $5000. Source: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/transportation/grants-incentives/electric-vehicle-tax-credits on Facebook Share I think this draft plan is overall really well done and I am impressed. I do have a few comments and questions: Page 6: "Grand Junction's EV Baseline" graphic-does not recognize the number of Level 1 and Level 2 home chargers in use. This is difficult to know exactly, but would help educate people to the fact that they do not need to use a public Level 2 or Level 3 charger....most people can charge at home. Page 10 "Equitable Charging" Excellent points; I wonder if there could be a city incentive for landlords to install EV chargers at their properties, since I believe rental houses do not qualify for Inflation Reduction Act rebates Page 11 "Though upfront costs of EVs are still greater, this gap is expected to decrease" This is not necessarily the case any more with federal and the new state rebates which increase even more on Jan. 1 2024. For example, a Tesla Model 3 currently starts at $41,880 before rebates. The average cost of a new car in the USA is currently $48,008 (Car and Driver as of April 2023). With a rebate, the Tesla is only $29,380, which is significantly less than average new car price. The notion that EVs are more expensive than ICE cars is a myth that should be dispelled here, not encouraged. Yes, there are some very expensive EVs out there that make the average higher, most EVs are much closer or lower than ICE costs. Page 19: Typo/data omission: "...Grand Junction could expect to see increased EV adoption, as shown in Error! Reference source not found." Page 26: Additional Informational and Capacity Resources is Drive Electric Colorado (https://driveelectriccolorado.org/) Page 29: Strategy CA-3: I was in Washington DC earlier this summer and amazed the the number of Lime e-bikes there were in addition to scooters. Is there a reason we can't allow Lime and/or Bird to introduce their e-bikes in addition to scooters in our market? Many people are more familiar and comfortable on a bike, and this could help introduce people to e-bikes, and enable them to use one without purchasing one Page 33: typo on top "Many of these communities have limited access to EV charging currently and include locations identified by community members as potential sites for future charging, as shown in Figure 10Error! Reference source not found" Page 33: As an EV driver for 7 years, one of the most convenient charging locations for road tripping that I've experienced are Level 2 chargers at hotels. Being able to arrive with 10% battery and then charge overnight while sleeping is unprecedented convenience. I'm at the point where I rarely stay at a hotel without Level 2 charging. Partnering with hotels is a great way to engage private charging hosts in Grand Junction while also helping with the tourism industry (and though I've never seen it marketed strongly by a hotel, it could make a great targeted marketing campaign. Page 33: private charging hosts: It is astounding that aside from the new Hotel Maverick, Colorado Mesa University does not have a single EV charger on campus. CMU should be a leader and offer charging to faculty, staff, guests, and students in their parking garages and lots. Page 34: "Identify property owners, developers, and/or businesses in priority locations, for example, hotels, motels, gas stations, and convenience stores for Level 2 charging" Level 2 charging is great for motels and hotels, but make no sense for gas stations and convenience stores. Who wants to spend hours and hours at a gas station or convenience store? They are suited for Level 3 charging, not Level 2. Strategy PC-3, page 38-39. The State of Colorado already has EV parking and signage requirements through HB19-1298, which assigns penalties for misusing a dedicated EV parking spot (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1298) Strategy FE-2, page 44: As a representative for the Western Colorado EV Club and Western Colorado Tesla Club, we would be happy to help with education of city leadership and staff in any way we can. Page 55: I see so many misconceptions, rumors, and untrue statements in the "Barriers to EV Adoption" column. So much education is needed! Page 56: The digital mapping tool that is cited as needed already exists as an app/website called Plugshare. Virtually every EV driver uses it, and would never look at a landing page on, for example, downtowngj.org for EV charging info. Page 58/59: What is a "neighborhood EV"? I have never heard this term and had to look it up. This might lessen Mr. Brown's concern about EVs being more dangerous to pedestrians (despite often having automatic emergency braking for pedestrians), but then the safety concern switches to the occupants and drivers of such vehicles, which typically lack airbags and other safety features. Furthermore, many of these neighborhood EVs are only street-legal on roads with speed limits lower than 35 mph, which severely limits their use in Grand Junction. I find it hard to accept that residents would spend money on a vehicle with such limited purpose...my experience is that people tend to want one vehicle that can do everything, which is why so many people drive 4x4s and trucks and rarely use them as 4x4s Page 72: The State of Colorado EV Tax Credit information is outdated. Starting Jan 1, 2024, the state of Colorado will offer up to $7500 credit for a new EV purchase (depending on price), not $5000. Source: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/transportation/grants-incentives/electric-vehicle-tax-credits on Twitter Share I think this draft plan is overall really well done and I am impressed. I do have a few comments and questions: Page 6: "Grand Junction's EV Baseline" graphic-does not recognize the number of Level 1 and Level 2 home chargers in use. This is difficult to know exactly, but would help educate people to the fact that they do not need to use a public Level 2 or Level 3 charger....most people can charge at home. Page 10 "Equitable Charging" Excellent points; I wonder if there could be a city incentive for landlords to install EV chargers at their properties, since I believe rental houses do not qualify for Inflation Reduction Act rebates Page 11 "Though upfront costs of EVs are still greater, this gap is expected to decrease" This is not necessarily the case any more with federal and the new state rebates which increase even more on Jan. 1 2024. For example, a Tesla Model 3 currently starts at $41,880 before rebates. The average cost of a new car in the USA is currently $48,008 (Car and Driver as of April 2023). With a rebate, the Tesla is only $29,380, which is significantly less than average new car price. The notion that EVs are more expensive than ICE cars is a myth that should be dispelled here, not encouraged. Yes, there are some very expensive EVs out there that make the average higher, most EVs are much closer or lower than ICE costs. Page 19: Typo/data omission: "...Grand Junction could expect to see increased EV adoption, as shown in Error! Reference source not found." Page 26: Additional Informational and Capacity Resources is Drive Electric Colorado (https://driveelectriccolorado.org/) Page 29: Strategy CA-3: I was in Washington DC earlier this summer and amazed the the number of Lime e-bikes there were in addition to scooters. Is there a reason we can't allow Lime and/or Bird to introduce their e-bikes in addition to scooters in our market? Many people are more familiar and comfortable on a bike, and this could help introduce people to e-bikes, and enable them to use one without purchasing one Page 33: typo on top "Many of these communities have limited access to EV charging currently and include locations identified by community members as potential sites for future charging, as shown in Figure 10Error! Reference source not found" Page 33: As an EV driver for 7 years, one of the most convenient charging locations for road tripping that I've experienced are Level 2 chargers at hotels. Being able to arrive with 10% battery and then charge overnight while sleeping is unprecedented convenience. I'm at the point where I rarely stay at a hotel without Level 2 charging. Partnering with hotels is a great way to engage private charging hosts in Grand Junction while also helping with the tourism industry (and though I've never seen it marketed strongly by a hotel, it could make a great targeted marketing campaign. Page 33: private charging hosts: It is astounding that aside from the new Hotel Maverick, Colorado Mesa University does not have a single EV charger on campus. CMU should be a leader and offer charging to faculty, staff, guests, and students in their parking garages and lots. Page 34: "Identify property owners, developers, and/or businesses in priority locations, for example, hotels, motels, gas stations, and convenience stores for Level 2 charging" Level 2 charging is great for motels and hotels, but make no sense for gas stations and convenience stores. Who wants to spend hours and hours at a gas station or convenience store? They are suited for Level 3 charging, not Level 2. Strategy PC-3, page 38-39. The State of Colorado already has EV parking and signage requirements through HB19-1298, which assigns penalties for misusing a dedicated EV parking spot (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1298) Strategy FE-2, page 44: As a representative for the Western Colorado EV Club and Western Colorado Tesla Club, we would be happy to help with education of city leadership and staff in any way we can. Page 55: I see so many misconceptions, rumors, and untrue statements in the "Barriers to EV Adoption" column. So much education is needed! Page 56: The digital mapping tool that is cited as needed already exists as an app/website called Plugshare. Virtually every EV driver uses it, and would never look at a landing page on, for example, downtowngj.org for EV charging info. Page 58/59: What is a "neighborhood EV"? I have never heard this term and had to look it up. This might lessen Mr. Brown's concern about EVs being more dangerous to pedestrians (despite often having automatic emergency braking for pedestrians), but then the safety concern switches to the occupants and drivers of such vehicles, which typically lack airbags and other safety features. Furthermore, many of these neighborhood EVs are only street-legal on roads with speed limits lower than 35 mph, which severely limits their use in Grand Junction. I find it hard to accept that residents would spend money on a vehicle with such limited purpose...my experience is that people tend to want one vehicle that can do everything, which is why so many people drive 4x4s and trucks and rarely use them as 4x4s Page 72: The State of Colorado EV Tax Credit information is outdated. Starting Jan 1, 2024, the state of Colorado will offer up to $7500 credit for a new EV purchase (depending on price), not $5000. Source: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/transportation/grants-incentives/electric-vehicle-tax-credits on Linkedin Email I think this draft plan is overall really well done and I am impressed. I do have a few comments and questions: Page 6: "Grand Junction's EV Baseline" graphic-does not recognize the number of Level 1 and Level 2 home chargers in use. This is difficult to know exactly, but would help educate people to the fact that they do not need to use a public Level 2 or Level 3 charger....most people can charge at home. Page 10 "Equitable Charging" Excellent points; I wonder if there could be a city incentive for landlords to install EV chargers at their properties, since I believe rental houses do not qualify for Inflation Reduction Act rebates Page 11 "Though upfront costs of EVs are still greater, this gap is expected to decrease" This is not necessarily the case any more with federal and the new state rebates which increase even more on Jan. 1 2024. For example, a Tesla Model 3 currently starts at $41,880 before rebates. The average cost of a new car in the USA is currently $48,008 (Car and Driver as of April 2023). With a rebate, the Tesla is only $29,380, which is significantly less than average new car price. The notion that EVs are more expensive than ICE cars is a myth that should be dispelled here, not encouraged. Yes, there are some very expensive EVs out there that make the average higher, most EVs are much closer or lower than ICE costs. Page 19: Typo/data omission: "...Grand Junction could expect to see increased EV adoption, as shown in Error! Reference source not found." Page 26: Additional Informational and Capacity Resources is Drive Electric Colorado (https://driveelectriccolorado.org/) Page 29: Strategy CA-3: I was in Washington DC earlier this summer and amazed the the number of Lime e-bikes there were in addition to scooters. Is there a reason we can't allow Lime and/or Bird to introduce their e-bikes in addition to scooters in our market? Many people are more familiar and comfortable on a bike, and this could help introduce people to e-bikes, and enable them to use one without purchasing one Page 33: typo on top "Many of these communities have limited access to EV charging currently and include locations identified by community members as potential sites for future charging, as shown in Figure 10Error! Reference source not found" Page 33: As an EV driver for 7 years, one of the most convenient charging locations for road tripping that I've experienced are Level 2 chargers at hotels. Being able to arrive with 10% battery and then charge overnight while sleeping is unprecedented convenience. I'm at the point where I rarely stay at a hotel without Level 2 charging. Partnering with hotels is a great way to engage private charging hosts in Grand Junction while also helping with the tourism industry (and though I've never seen it marketed strongly by a hotel, it could make a great targeted marketing campaign. Page 33: private charging hosts: It is astounding that aside from the new Hotel Maverick, Colorado Mesa University does not have a single EV charger on campus. CMU should be a leader and offer charging to faculty, staff, guests, and students in their parking garages and lots. Page 34: "Identify property owners, developers, and/or businesses in priority locations, for example, hotels, motels, gas stations, and convenience stores for Level 2 charging" Level 2 charging is great for motels and hotels, but make no sense for gas stations and convenience stores. Who wants to spend hours and hours at a gas station or convenience store? They are suited for Level 3 charging, not Level 2. Strategy PC-3, page 38-39. The State of Colorado already has EV parking and signage requirements through HB19-1298, which assigns penalties for misusing a dedicated EV parking spot (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1298) Strategy FE-2, page 44: As a representative for the Western Colorado EV Club and Western Colorado Tesla Club, we would be happy to help with education of city leadership and staff in any way we can. Page 55: I see so many misconceptions, rumors, and untrue statements in the "Barriers to EV Adoption" column. So much education is needed! Page 56: The digital mapping tool that is cited as needed already exists as an app/website called Plugshare. Virtually every EV driver uses it, and would never look at a landing page on, for example, downtowngj.org for EV charging info. Page 58/59: What is a "neighborhood EV"? I have never heard this term and had to look it up. This might lessen Mr. Brown's concern about EVs being more dangerous to pedestrians (despite often having automatic emergency braking for pedestrians), but then the safety concern switches to the occupants and drivers of such vehicles, which typically lack airbags and other safety features. Furthermore, many of these neighborhood EVs are only street-legal on roads with speed limits lower than 35 mph, which severely limits their use in Grand Junction. I find it hard to accept that residents would spend money on a vehicle with such limited purpose...my experience is that people tend to want one vehicle that can do everything, which is why so many people drive 4x4s and trucks and rarely use them as 4x4s Page 72: The State of Colorado EV Tax Credit information is outdated. Starting Jan 1, 2024, the state of Colorado will offer up to $7500 credit for a new EV purchase (depending on price), not $5000. Source: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/transportation/grants-incentives/electric-vehicle-tax-credits link

I think this draft plan is overall really well done and I am impressed. I do have a few comments and questions: Page 6: "Grand Junction's EV Baseline" graphic-does not recognize the number of Level 1 and Level 2 home chargers in use. This is difficult to know exactly, but would help educate people to the fact that they do not need to use a public Level 2 or Level 3 charger....most people can charge at home. Page 10 "Equitable Charging" Excellent points; I wonder if there could be a city incentive for landlords to install EV chargers at their properties, since I believe rental houses do not qualify for Inflation Reduction Act rebates Page 11 "Though upfront costs of EVs are still greater, this gap is expected to decrease" This is not necessarily the case any more with federal and the new state rebates which increase even more on Jan. 1 2024. For example, a Tesla Model 3 currently starts at $41,880 before rebates. The average cost of a new car in the USA is currently $48,008 (Car and Driver as of April 2023). With a rebate, the Tesla is only $29,380, which is significantly less than average new car price. The notion that EVs are more expensive than ICE cars is a myth that should be dispelled here, not encouraged. Yes, there are some very expensive EVs out there that make the average higher, most EVs are much closer or lower than ICE costs. Page 19: Typo/data omission: "...Grand Junction could expect to see increased EV adoption, as shown in Error! Reference source not found." Page 26: Additional Informational and Capacity Resources is Drive Electric Colorado (https://driveelectriccolorado.org/) Page 29: Strategy CA-3: I was in Washington DC earlier this summer and amazed the the number of Lime e-bikes there were in addition to scooters. Is there a reason we can't allow Lime and/or Bird to introduce their e-bikes in addition to scooters in our market? Many people are more familiar and comfortable on a bike, and this could help introduce people to e-bikes, and enable them to use one without purchasing one Page 33: typo on top "Many of these communities have limited access to EV charging currently and include locations identified by community members as potential sites for future charging, as shown in Figure 10Error! Reference source not found" Page 33: As an EV driver for 7 years, one of the most convenient charging locations for road tripping that I've experienced are Level 2 chargers at hotels. Being able to arrive with 10% battery and then charge overnight while sleeping is unprecedented convenience. I'm at the point where I rarely stay at a hotel without Level 2 charging. Partnering with hotels is a great way to engage private charging hosts in Grand Junction while also helping with the tourism industry (and though I've never seen it marketed strongly by a hotel, it could make a great targeted marketing campaign. Page 33: private charging hosts: It is astounding that aside from the new Hotel Maverick, Colorado Mesa University does not have a single EV charger on campus. CMU should be a leader and offer charging to faculty, staff, guests, and students in their parking garages and lots. Page 34: "Identify property owners, developers, and/or businesses in priority locations, for example, hotels, motels, gas stations, and convenience stores for Level 2 charging" Level 2 charging is great for motels and hotels, but make no sense for gas stations and convenience stores. Who wants to spend hours and hours at a gas station or convenience store? They are suited for Level 3 charging, not Level 2. Strategy PC-3, page 38-39. The State of Colorado already has EV parking and signage requirements through HB19-1298, which assigns penalties for misusing a dedicated EV parking spot (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1298) Strategy FE-2, page 44: As a representative for the Western Colorado EV Club and Western Colorado Tesla Club, we would be happy to help with education of city leadership and staff in any way we can. Page 55: I see so many misconceptions, rumors, and untrue statements in the "Barriers to EV Adoption" column. So much education is needed! Page 56: The digital mapping tool that is cited as needed already exists as an app/website called Plugshare. Virtually every EV driver uses it, and would never look at a landing page on, for example, downtowngj.org for EV charging info. Page 58/59: What is a "neighborhood EV"? I have never heard this term and had to look it up. This might lessen Mr. Brown's concern about EVs being more dangerous to pedestrians (despite often having automatic emergency braking for pedestrians), but then the safety concern switches to the occupants and drivers of such vehicles, which typically lack airbags and other safety features. Furthermore, many of these neighborhood EVs are only street-legal on roads with speed limits lower than 35 mph, which severely limits their use in Grand Junction. I find it hard to accept that residents would spend money on a vehicle with such limited purpose...my experience is that people tend to want one vehicle that can do everything, which is why so many people drive 4x4s and trucks and rarely use them as 4x4s Page 72: The State of Colorado EV Tax Credit information is outdated. Starting Jan 1, 2024, the state of Colorado will offer up to $7500 credit for a new EV purchase (depending on price), not $5000. Source: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/transportation/grants-incentives/electric-vehicle-tax-credits

aaronhoffman asked 9 months ago

Thank you for your input on the REV draft plan. Your contributions to the draft plan are greatly appreciated!
Share Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period? on Facebook Share Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period? on Twitter Share Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period? on Linkedin Email Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period? link

Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period?

Donc13 asked 9 months ago

Thanks for your questions. You can download the draft plan document underneath the documents tab on the right pane of this page, and you can provide comments and questions regarding the plan here.

Page last updated: 01 Feb 2024, 12:49 PM

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City of Grand Junction Electric Vehicle Program

I DONOT BELIVE THE CITY SHOULD BE IN EV CHARGING BUSINESS WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. YOU ARE NOT IN THE GASOLINE BUSINESS AND SHOULD NOT BE!!! I AOPOSE ANY THOUGHT OF THIS GOING FORWARD. REPAIR THE STREETS AND ALLEYS PICKUP TRASH. DO THE THINGS YOU COLLECT WAY TO MENNY TAX DOLLARS FOR!!!

Is there any ongoing effort or mention in the Draft Plan towards adding public chargers to popular public trailheads close to the city? Such as Lunch Loops Trailhead on Monument Road.

Where is the draft plan for EV posted and where and how may the public comment during the public comment period?

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