Trust me on this — if you’re thinking of taking your electric vehicle up to Silverton, Colorado, you need to plan your charging strategy like a pro. The San Juan Mountains are stunning, but they’re also remote and challenging territory for any EV driver. So, what’s the actual plan for charging up in such a small mountain town?
Does Silverton Have EV Chargers? The Short Answer
Yes, there are EV chargers in Silverton, but don’t expect a bustling hub like you’d find in Denver or even Durango. The town’s remote location means there’s limited infrastructure, mainly Level 2 chargers with a few DC fast chargers in nearby towns.
If you’re coming from more developed areas, this can feel like a rude awakening. But here’s the gist:
- Electrify America and EVgo have made strides in expanding fast charging along major corridors, but Silverton itself has very limited direct access to these networks. ChargePoint
That mix means you’re likely looking at $30-80 per charging session depending on where you plug in and how fast you need to top off your battery.
Why Remote Colorado Charging is a Different Beast
Ever notice how the range meter lies when you start climbing mountain roads? When you’re heading into the San Juan Mountains, the usual "City cycle range" or "EPA estimate" goes https://www.dangerousroads.org/around-the-world/vehicles/13782-how-to-plan-a-safe-ev-road-trip-through-high-altitude.html out the window. Here’s why:
High Altitude and Cold Weather Kill Your Range
Silverton sits at about 9,300 feet elevation, climbing up to over 14,000 feet just around the area. At those heights:
- Lower Oxygen Levels: Your battery and electric motor aren’t getting the same performance they do at sea level. Cold Temperatures: Not just a winter thing; nights can be cold year-round. Batteries hate cold—energy capacity drops, and the car uses extra juice to heat the cabin and battery pack.
In practice, this means your comfortable 200-mile range might drop by 30-40%, sometimes more if you’re on steep inclines and using the heater aggressively.
The Essential Tools for Planning Your San Juan Mountains EV Trip
You know what’s worse than a broken charger? No charger at all when your battery is in the red. That’s why pre-trip planning is your best friend.
- A Better Route Planner (ABRP): This app is a lifesaver. It factors in elevation gain, estimated weather, your car model, and charging stations — so you’re not flying blind. PlugShare: Not just for finding chargers, it’s your community-sourced info repository. You can read real-time reviews, check for broken units, or see if a spot is crowded.
I always use both together. ABRP to draft the plan, PlugShare to validate it. Your spreadsheet for the trip should include:
Starting charge and location Charging stops (with Charger type, amps, and approximate cost) Estimated battery % upon arrival and departure Plan B options if chargers are busy or downThe Big Mistake: Charging Accounts Not Set Up Ahead of Time
Look, this one gets more people stranded or delayed than you’d think. Many chargers—especially DC fast chargers from Electrify America or EVgo—require you to have an account and payment method ready before you even hit “start.” You can’t just tap your credit card like at a gas pump.
Take the five minutes and download apps and create accounts with the major providers before your trip. Otherwise, you might be stuck holding up the line because your phone has spotty service or the charger isn’t set up for guest access.
Strategies for Dealing with Limited Small Town EV Chargers
So, you get to Silverton and find just a handful of Level 2 chargers. Here’s how to handle it:
- Charge Early, Charge Often: When the charger is vacant, don’t hesitate to top off—even if you think you don’t need it yet. You don’t want to be the person stressing over range with everyone else queued up. Stay Overnight Where You Can Plug In: Some hotels and lodges list “EV charging” but often mean a single Level 1 outlet that’s shared, slow, or even non-functional. Call ahead, verify, or better yet, book a place with verified charging through sources like PlugShare. Consider Portable Options: If you’re a careful planner like me, bringing a portable Level 2 charger or multiple tire inflators might sound nuts, but it’s saved me more than once in patchy mountain towns.
Charging Costs: What to Expect in Silverton and Nearby
Charging prices are all over the map depending on network and charger speed. Here’s a handy breakdown to estimate what you’re in for:
Charger Network Charger Type Typical Cost Per Session Notes Electrify America DC Fast $30-80 Most expensive but fastest; limited availability near Silverton EVgo DC Fast Similar range Good coverage on main highways; less so in small towns ChargePoint Level 2 Often $10-20 Slower but more common in Silverton properFinal Thoughts: Planning Pays Off in Mountain EV Travel
Driving your EV in the San Juan Mountains isn’t impossible, but it demands respect, research, and preparation. If you go in with the right mindset—checking accounts, planning charging stops with ABRP, reading latest PlugShare reviews, and accepting that your range will droop—you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful EV trips in the country.
Remember, there’s no shame in rebooking a hotel with reliable charging or stopping extra times. The alternative—getting stranded on a mountain road—sucks exponentially more.
So pack your spreadsheet, fuel up digitally, and get ready for an electrifying adventure in Silverton!