New Colorado incentive to use EVs

COLORADO - Those cute little electric cars may become more attractive to consumers once a pending Colorado law catches up with the new energy economy.

One of 151 laws going into effect, it will allow smaller and slower electric car brands on more state roads. It aims to reduce gasoline consumption and pollution.

The law allows electric cars on state highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less and to cross state highways with higher speed limits. Currently, the vehicles are banned from all state highways and from crossing them because they're too slow.

Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, sponsored the legislation in the Senate. She said demand for fuel-efficient cars vehicles will increase despite fluctuations in fuel prices.

"Sooner or later, gas prices will go up and people will want more fuel-efficient cars," Schwartz said.

Schwartz noted citizens in Snowmass Village use the vehicles to run errands and take children to school. She hopes more households will buy the cars, which start at $9,000, instead of a traditional second car.

One new law creates a state loan program to help schools pay for renewable energy projects and hybrid and electric buses. Another gives more protection to bicyclists by requiring motorists to give them at least a 3-foot berth when passing.