As part of the university’s commitment to increasing access to sustainable transportation, CU Boulder has collaborated with Xcel Energy through their EV Axcellerate Innovation Program and Colorado CarShare, a nonprofit organization that offers vehicles across Boulder and in Denver, to provide a shared electric vehicle (EV) and EV charging station in the Williams Village parking lot. 

The charging station is equipped with two charging ports, one for the new fully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, and one for campus constituents to charge privately owned EVs. This will be the first fully electric vehicle available on campus as a result of this grant, with additional vehicles to follow in Smiley Court and Athens North.

Thanks to funding through the Environmental Center, CU Boulder students get discounted Colorado CarShare memberships. With three different membership levels available, members can choose the program that best fits their needs based on how often they plan to use the vehicles.

Vehicles can be reserved for as little as 15 minutes for errands around Boulder, or up to multiple days for a ski trip.

CU Boulder Sustainable Transportation Specialist Clark Rider says that increasing access to eco-friendly transportation options is an example of how CU Boulder is working to reduce the environmental impacts of our commutes.

“Colorado CarShare provides a convenient option for students when they want or need access to a car, while remaining car-free,” Rider said. “Furthermore, providing a fully electric vehicle reduces the impact of that driving compared to gas and has the added bonus of providing students who may have never had an EV experience an opportunity to get familiar with the technology without having to purchase a vehicle."

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now available to rent. Reserve your time slot today through the Colorado CarShare website.