The Town of Erie, Colorado has been awarded a Charging Smart Bronze designation, recognizing the community’s leadership in electric vehicle (EV) readiness and sustainable transportation infrastructure. The Town of Erie is the first Charging Smart designee in the Western U.S.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. By reducing unnecessary barriers to EV charger deployment, Charging Smart helps communities unlock economic development, cleaner air, and other local benefits while maintaining project safety. Local governments participating in the program can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold designations, providing national recognition of their status as an EV-friendly community.

Charging Smart partner Drive Clean Colorado provided Erie with technical support, policy guidance, and actionable strategies to enhance EV infrastructure and readiness. Through the program, Erie implemented initiatives such as standardized EV charging infrastructure permitting, reviewing zoning for unnecessary restrictions on EV charging equipment, exploring collaboration with utility providers, and expanding community education efforts. 

“The Town of Erie’s Sustainability Division is proud to receive the Bronze Charging Smart designation, which recognizes the meaningful progress we’ve made in advancing electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure. This achievement reflects the extra steps we’ve taken to expand EV opportunities in Erie and throughout the region,” said Dylan King, Town of Erie Sustainability & Water Conservation Specialist.

Erie’s designation builds on previous work with Charging Smart’s partner program, SolSmart, which awarded the city a Bronze designation in 2023. SolSmart works to remove barriers to solar and increase energy options for residents. To earn SolSmart Bronze, Erie clarified solar permitting processes and reviewed zoning, among other achievements. 

“We commend the Town of Erie for its dedication to building an EV-ready future,” said Jenna Wyatt, Program Manager at Drive Clean Colorado. “This achievement highlights Erie’s leadership in expanding access to clean transportation, and we’re excited to see the positive impact on the community. Drive Clean Colorado is grateful for the Town of Erie’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and for being a vital member of the inaugural Colorado Charging Smart cohort. From sharing valuable lessons learned to presenting on Erie’s innovative EV fleet procurement policies, the Town has played an essential role in advancing this initiative.”

“By removing barriers to EVs and supporting the development of EV charging, Erie is demonstrating leadership in clean transportation for Colorado and the nation,” said Ed Gilliland, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. “Erie’s first-in-the-West designation opens up new frontiers for the Charging Smart program and for EVs everywhere.”

Charging Smart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with Great Plains Institute (GPI) serving as lead partner on the project. Other partners include RMI, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Forth, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), EVNoire, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC), North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), Drive Clean Colorado, and seven other Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) coalitions across the country.