GCEA Fills the DC Fast Charging Gap in Lake Fork
Gunnison County Electric Association and the National Park Service worked alongside EV manufacturer and automotive technology company Rivian to install one dual port 11.5 kW Rivian Waypoints Level 2 electric vehicle charger and a single port 62.5 kW ChargePoint brand direct current (DC) fast charger at the Lake Fork Campground in the Curecanti National Recreational Area. The chargers are operational as of early October 2022 on the east side of the campground.
Lake Fork is an ideal location due to its proximity to three-phase power necessary to support the DC fast charger, and it is centrally located between Montrose and Gunnison to provide another point of charging support on the growing network of EV chargers. At the junction between Highways 50 and 92, these new stations will provide convenience for drivers traveling to multiple destinations on the Western Slope. Rivian expressed interest in joining GCEA in the project to place a Waypoints Level 2 charger close to trails, boating, and other recreation. Drivers will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Blue Mesa while charging.
Funding for the charging stations comes from a host of financial partners, including grant funding from the Charge Ahead Colorado Program and contributions from Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, Gunnison County, Adopt a Charger, GCEA, and Rivian. GCEA provided the necessary electrical upgrades required for the station installation and the National Park Service provided the site location.
GCEA Supports Rivian Installation of Level 2 Waypoints Charger in Mt.Crested Butte
To promote the use of electric vehicles in the Town of Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison County Electric Association and the Town of Mt. Crested Butte worked alongside EV manufacturer and automotive technology company Rivian to install four Rivian Waypoints electric vehicle chargers in the public Rasta Lot adjacent to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The chargers are located in the southwest corner of the lot and went live in mid-June of this year.
The Waypoints chargers are part of Rivian’s Waypoints Network of Level 2, 11.5 kW chargers, a network continuing to expand throughout the U.S. with the initial goal of 10,000 chargers across the U.S. and Canada. When GCEA learned of the opportunity to partner with the EV manufacturer, the Association was thrilled and assisted in the selection of locations for the installations. The newly finished Rasta Lot in Mt. Crested Butte is an ideal spot for the EV chargers due to its proximity to an existing GCEA transformer as well as area trails and outdoor activities.
Funding for the Waypoints chargers comes primarily from Rivian, along with grant money from the Charge Ahead Colorado Program and rebates from Tri-State Generation & Transmission. GCEA provided the necessary electrical upgrades required for the station installation and the Town of Mt. Crested Butte provided the site location. These are the first public charging stations in Mt. Crested Butte, making Rivian’s investment a meaningful move for the town as it works toward electrifying transportation.
GCEA Installs Lucky #13 EV Charging Station in Crested Butte South
On Thursday, July 15,2021, GCEA celebrated the installation of its 13th EV charging station, located in Crested Butte South, with a ribbon cutting event. Neighbors and EV enthusiasts turned out in support of the Level 2 station which will give them the opportunity to charge closer to home. The next closest stations are in Crested Butte to the north and Almont to the south. Connected to a 240-volt connection, this station provides 25 miles of range per hour of charging and costs 8 cents per kilowatt-hour during off-peak hours and 25 cents per kWh during peak hours, which are 5-10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. GCEA offers special thanks to the Crested Butte South POA for hosting the charging station site, as well as the Charge Ahead Colorado grant and Tri-State Generation and Transmission rebates for funding most of this project.
Taylor Park Charging Station
Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) is excited to announce the 12th charging station at Taylor Park. The Taylor Park charging station was energized on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.
DC Fast Chargers
GCEA had the opportunity to install DC fast charging stations in Crested Butte and Lake City, with financial support from the town of Crested Butte, the town of Lake City, Hinsdale County, power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Lake City DIRT (Downtown Improvement and Revitalization, Inc.), the Lake City Chamber of Commerce and grant funds from the Charge Ahead Colorado Program through the Colorado Energy Office.
Each station provides up to 62.5 kilowatts of charging power to help you get back on the road faster. The DCFC in Crested Butte is located at the Fire Hall on Maroon Avenue, and the DCFC in Lake City is located on County Road 20 at the Ice Wall Park. Each station can charge one vehicle at a time, and the cost to charge is $0.20/kWh plus $0.25/minute.
Tesla gets Wrapped
January 2020 – Tesla Model 3 gets a wrap and personalized plates.
Gunnison Night of Lights
December 2019 – GCEA EV’s showcased at the Gunnison Night of Lights. Won 1st place for best display!
EV Charging Station in Sargents
September 2019 – GCEA installed a non-networked Level 2 charging station at the Tomichi Trading Post in Sargents. This station offers free charging.
Gunnison Car Show
August 2019 – GCEA participated in the Gunnison Car Show with the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3
Members Take Tesla for a Spin
July 2019 – GCEA members take test drives in the Tesla
Pitkin EV Charging Station
June 2019 – GCEA installed a Level 2 ChargePoint charging station at the Silver Plume General Store in Pitkin. This station will offer free charging sessions until 2021 when on-peak rates will apply.
80th Annual Meeting Debut
June 2019 – Tesla Model 3 makes its debut at the 80th GCEA Annual Meeting
Chevy Bolt in Loaner Program
June 2019 – Chevy Bolt moved from the GCEA fleet to become the new EV test drive program vehicle for members to borrow.
EV Station Upgrade at Headquarters
October 2018 – GCEA installed an upgraded Level 2 ChargePoint charging station at the headquarters in Gunnison. This station offers free charging during business hours Monday thru Friday and reduced rates other times.
Tesla Model 3
June 2019 – GCEA purchased a Tesla Model 3
GCEA's EV Blog
Check out GCEA's EV blog!
EV Charging Across the Valley
November 2018 – GCEA installed Level 2 ChargePoint charging stations at the Elk Creek Marina near Blue Mesa, in Almont behind the Almont Resort, and a second station in Crested Butte off of 1st and Elk Ave. This station will offer free charging until 2021.
Gas Butler
Start each day with a full tank!
For more information on GCEA's EV Program call (970) 641-3520.
EV Charger Rebate
Attention EV owners! GCEA offers electric vehicle charger rebates! visit gcea.coop or call 970-641-3520 to learn more!
Lake City Charging Station
October 2016 – GCEA installed a Level 2 SemaConnect charging station in Lake City on 3rd Street near the bank. This station will offer free charging sessions until a networked station can be installed.
First EV Charging Station
November 2015 – GCEA installed a Level 2 SemaConnect charging station by the tennis courts on 6th and Elk Ave in Crested Butte. This was the first EV charging station to be installed by a Colorado electric cooperative. This station was later swapped out in 2019 for a ChargePoint Level 2 station. This station offered free charging sessions until January 2019.