Three states offer charging network for electric cars

The governors of Colorado, Utah and Nevada have committed to working together to build a regional electric-vehicle charging network that covers more than 2,000 miles of highway across the three states.

Targeted corridors include Interstates 70, 76 and 25 in Colorado, Interstates 70, 80 and 15 in Utah, and Interstates 80 and 15 across Nevada, according to this week’s announcement.

“This initiative recognizes that our states will continue to lead the country in the electric-vehicle market,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a statement. “Our residents and the millions of visitors to our states will be able to drive electric vehicles from Denver to Salt Lake City to Las Vegas — from the Rockies to the Pacific.”

In Colorado, there are nearly 8,000 electric vehicles on the road today, up from fewer than 100 in 2011. The state offers one of the best electric-vehicle incentives in the country, a $5,000 tax credit.

“Regional collaboration is a key driver to fueling our future transportation options,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement. “By working together, we can minimize costs, ensure technological consistency, and serve as laboratories of innovation.”