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Maddie Garbalagtys, Drive Clean Colorado
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Town of Erie Achieves Bronze Charging Smart Designation, Advancing EV Readiness
Drive Clean Colorado Celebrates Erie as the First Municipality in the Founding Colorado Cohort to Complete the Charging Smart Program
Erie, CO – June 26, 2025 – Drive Clean Colorado is proud to announce that the Town of Erie has officially received a Bronze Charging Smart 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.
Charging Smart, a technical assistance and certification initiative run by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), supports local governments in streamlining regulatory practices, enhancing EV policies, and facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles and charging stations. Erie’s achievement highlights its commitment to reducing emissions, improving air quality, and expanding EV accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
As a pilot partner in the Charging Smart program, Drive Clean Colorado has provided Erie with technical support, policy guidance, and actionable strategies to enhance EV infrastructure and readiness. Through this program, Erie successfully implemented key initiatives such as standardized EV charging infrastructure permitting, identified zoning restrictions, and discussed collaboration with utility providers, and expanded community education efforts to establish itself as a leader in clean transportation. The Town of Erie is the first municipality in the Founding Colorado Cohort to receive designation within the Charging Smart Program.
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. In order to earn SolSmart Bronze, Erie clarified solar permitting processes, updated zoning, and more.
By earning this designation, Erie has improved access to EV charging for its residents while also attracting EV travelers, supporting local businesses, and driving economic growth. The town’s dedication to clean transportation sets a strong example for other communities looking to advance their EV infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
“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.
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.”
“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.”
For more information about the Charging Smart program and how communities can get involved, visit ChargingSmart.org or contact Jenna Wyatt for more information.
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About Drive Clean Colorado, a Clean Cities and Communities Coalition
Drive Clean Colorado (DCC), a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership, is a non-profit organization that delivers a variety of programs to accelerate the equitable adoption of clean transportation with the vision of cleaner air and economic growth for Colorado. DCC runs projects such as the the Watts@Work initiative for workplace charging, and hosts four ReCharge coaches for the Colorado Energy Office to provide grant coaching and EV awareness outreach. Learn more at DriveCleanColorado.org.
