STATEMENT: Colorado leads nation in electric vehicle adoption

DENVER — Colorado now ranks first in the nation for electric vehicle (EV) market share based on new data from the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM). In the third quarter of 2024, 25.3% of all new vehicle sales in Colorado were EV’s, propelling Colorado’s market share ahead of California’s for the first time.

“Coloradans are embracing electric vehicles like never before,” said Henry Stiles, advocate with Environment Colorado. “This milestone shows that our policies and investments in clean transportation are making a real difference for our environment and wallets.”

The NESCAUM report highlights that 82% of EVs sold in Colorado were fully electric, with the remaining being plug-in hybrids. Earlier this year, Colorado ranked second in the nation for EV adoption. However, buying EVs has become more attractive here than in California. The Golden State phased out its EV rebate in November 2023 while Colorado still offers a $5,000 state tax credit to those who purchase or lease a new EV.

“After a summer of extreme heat and poor air quality on Colorado’s Front Range, partly driven by vehicle emissions, this new report offers hope for a cleaner and healthier environment,” said Stiles. “The more we can replace gas guzzlers with clean cars, the more Colorado can enhance its reputation as a place with a high quality of life.”