Colorado is an electric vehicle hotspot
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Although much of the country's electric vehicle use is concentrated in the "four corners" of California, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast and the Southeast, Colorado is a glaring exception, according to data shared with Axios.
How it works: The data, from mobility analytics platform Replica, is based on estimated EV miles traveled per 1,000 residents at the county level on a typical weekday.
- Replica's data from the second quarter of 2023 comes from anonymized mobile device info, roadside sensors, transit agencies and more.
Zoom in: Hinsdale County in southwestern Colorado took the crown for the most electric miles traveled per 1,000 residents in the state, at 2,150 on a typical weekday — but its population is under 800.
- Boulder County has the state's most EV usage among larger counties, at 816 electric miles per 1,000 residents.
- By comparison, Denver County totaled about 325 electric miles
Between the lines: Areas with the most EV activity are generally those with better-developed charging infrastructure, as well as higher-income households that can more easily afford the electric car premium.
- Earlier this year, Colorado awarded $17 million to Tesla, gas stations and other companies to help expand the state's network of EV charging stations.
Of note: The Tesla Cybertruck, which made its official debut Thursday, is now on display at the Tesla dealership in Littleton.
- Last month, EV manufacturer Rivian opened a Denver showroom in RiNo, one of the company's first retail locations.
The big picture: Electric car sales are growing in Colorado and across the country, but remain short of automakers' hopes as some potential buyers continue to be skeptical about their range, performance and cost.
Go deeper ... The country's electric car hotspots, mapped