New Colorado incentive to use EVs

Low-speed electric vehicles law opens 35 mph state highways, permits crossings, cuts gasoline use and emissions, supports fuel-efficient transport, and aligns with school renewable energy loans, hybrid and electric buses, and 3-foot bicyclist safety.

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 Colorado roads than before. 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, and that grants and credits are helping drive interest, despite fluctuations in fuel prices.

"Sooner or later, gas prices will go up and people will want more fuel-efficient cars," Schwartz said, noting that policymakers are considering an annual EV fee in some states as well.

Schwartz noted citizens in Snowmass Village use the vehicles to run errands and take children to school, as Connecticut EV funding shows broader momentum nationwide. 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 school buses in particular. Another gives more protection to bicyclists by requiring motorists to give them at least a 3-foot berth when passing.

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