STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-October 3, 2023-A single spark is often all it takes to get things moving and that same idea looks to ignite interest in electric vehicles (EV) and e-bikes and their use during two EV events on October 8 for the public and October 10 for shuttle services.
“We are excited to see the growth in popularity of electric vehicles in our community,” says Winnie DelliQuadri, Special Projects and IGS Manager. “We are doing as much as we can locally to make owning an electric vehicle practical and support the larger goal of reducing emissions across the valley.”
This includes partnering with Yampa Valley Electric Association, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC), Northwest Colorado Clean Cities, and Clean Energy Economy for the Region to host a series of local Ride & Drive events to educate individuals on EV options and get people behind the wheel of an EV or take an e-bike for a spin.
The Ride & Drive is scheduled for Sunday, October 8 at the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds from 10AM to 3PM. A handful of EVs will be available to test drive, including a Ford MachE (Mustang), Chevy Bolt EUV, Jeep Rubicon (Hybrid), Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Ford Lightning F150, and Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van. In addition, local EV owners will have a chance to show off their personal vehicles as part of the show-n-shine event. The Oct 8 Ride & Drive is free, but advanced sign up is required, so drive over to steamboatsprings.net/ev for details and to register for a time slot.
In addition, the YVSC is partnering with Mountain Bus Electric Vehicles to host a Shuttle Conversion Ride & Drive event on Tuesday, October 10 from 10AM to 1PM at the Rodeo Grounds. This is a great way to give new life to an outdated shuttle without having to purchase a new vehicle. Learn about various conversion kits and take a test drive in an electric Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van.
Steamboat Springs has approximately 30 public charging stations, 14 of which are free EV charging stations and a total of three DC Fast Chargers. In addition, several high-speed charging stations now dot the highway between Granby and Craig, as well as across the state.
Many organizations provide tax credits for EV purchases. Locally, YVEA has a $250 rebate for residential level 2 charges, as well as rebates on electric bikes, lawn maintenance equipment and snow blowers (see qualifying criteria – while funding lasts). Additional tax credits and rebates are also available at both the state and federal levels.
Still have questions or want to learn more on how you can Spur Change? Plug into the city’s website for additional information, links to resources and partner materials and online educational seminars.
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Contacts
Winnie DelliQuadri, Special Projects and IGS Manager, 970.871.8257 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email