The City of Grand Junction is among 12 recipients of the inaugural round of grants intended to accelerate the transition to electric vehicle fleets in Colorado.

The grant will fund two dual-port level 2 chargers and one single-port direct current fast charger to support electric cargo vans and an electric recycling truck.

Pitkin County also received a grant to fund three dual-port direct current fast chargers to support electric public safety and operations vehicles, electric commuter fleet vehicles and heavy-duty electric equipment at three locations

The Colorado Energy Office announced a total of $2.36 million in awards through the  Fleet Zero-Emission Resource Opportunity program.

This funding will enable the installation of a total of 126 charging ports at 22 locations across the state, supporting at least 150 fleet electric vehicles and 10 electric transport refrigeration units over the next two years. This includes some of the first electric armored delivery vehicles, heavy-duty tractors, recycling trucks, refuse haulers, rental trucks and shuttles.

“This first round of ongoing funding from the fleet zero program represents a significant milestone for zero-emission fleets in Colorado,” said Matt Lerman, manager of the Colorado Energy Office infrastructure program. “On average, fleet vehicles drive more miles, operate longer and contribute a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. We are excited about this important opportunity to support charging infrastructure for Colorado fleets, ensuring a more swift transition to fleet EVs and improving air quality for Coloradans across the state.”

Fleet zero funding — along with funding from a state clean fleet vehicle and technology grant program, will support the implementation of the Colorado clean truck strategy and help achieve a goal of 940,000 light-duty electric vehicles and 35,000 zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the road by 2030. Funding for the program comes from the state community access enterprise and federal congestion mitigation and air quality improvement programs.

The Colorado Energy Office prioritizes funding for projects located and operating in disproportionately impacted communities.

The Colorado Energy Office will continue to award fleet zero funding over the next decade, with $3 million allocated for the next standard funding round, which will open Oct. 16 and close Dec. 1.