ICL cuts ribbon on Level 2 dual port EV charger 

 The town of Ignacio became part of Colorado’s growing electric vehicle charging network last week, with the announcement of the town’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charge station.   

Ignacio Community Library Service Desk Manager, Ron Schermacher was the driving force behind the project, and had the honor of cutting the ribbon on the new EV station in the heart of Ignacio’s Creative District. 

A socially distanced, outdoor ribbon cutting event took place on Friday, Feb. 12 at the Ignacio Community Library. The event was also broadcast online via Zoom, to give those at home a chance to witness this historical moment on the Southern Ute Reservation.  

The new dual port charger offers a full charge in about 4 to 6 hours, but for those looking to simply top off, significantly less time is required. The location is central to downtown, and a moment’s walk from schools, restaurants and local merchants. Given its name, the EV charger can charge two vehicles simultaneously, at no cost to the driver — at least for the time being. Charging fees will be implemented later this year, according to ICL Director, Marcia Vining.  

“By 2030, 20 percent of the projected [automobile] market will be electric,” said Schermacher.  

“Additionally, the EV charge station will draw visitors to Ignacio….and fills a spot in the charging desert,” Schermacher explained. Stating that Ignacio will now be listed on the statewide database and map, listing them among other EV charge stations in La Plata County and the Four Corners region.  

The state of Colorado is actively pushing for residents to invest in electric vehicles in an effort to help offset and reduce carbon emissions across the West.  

Ignacio joins other towns in La Plata County, and throughout Colorado, who are using grant funding opportunities to bolster local EV infrastructure. Just last month the town of Bayfield unveiled their first EV charge station adjacent to Town Hall, and Durango announced plans to upgrade one of their charge sites to include a pair of newer, rapid charge stations designed for ultra-fast charge times and quick turnaround.  

The need for charging infrastructure caters to residents and tourists alike. With automakers focused on meeting demands for EV, rural communities will have to keep pace in regard to available infrastructure, especially if they want to attract EV owners who may be traveling from one town to the next.  

There is undoubtably a sea change on the horizon, especially in terms of new vehicles entering the market over the next decade. Consumer interests for EV and Hybrid vehicles has seen exponential growth in recent years. Companies like Tesla and Rivian are pushing new boundaries across the automotive industry, driving traditional U.S. automakers like Ford and GM to follow suite. Some of the early adopters will inevitably be fleet vehicles, used by small businesses, corporations and government programs. 

“The town chipped in, we thought it would [help] bring in economic opportunity; especially as we move forward with the Ignacio Creative District, and tourism opportunities,” said Sharon Craig, vice president for the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce. She also represents the town on the La Plata Economic Development Alliance Board. “We thought it was a good investment,” Craig emphasized.  

4CORE — The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency was also instrumental in this effort: connecting the Town of Ignacio, Ignacio Community Library, LPEA and the Colorado Energy Office in this collaboration. 

4CORE Executive Director, Lauire Dickson attended the ribbon cutting ceremony in Ignacio, along with Ignacio Town Mayor, Stella Cox.  

Perhaps the star of the show was a brand new 2021 Mustang Mach E, owned by Forest Lakes resident, Guinn Unger. Unger had purchased the sports car a few days earlier and was impressed by its capable 200-mile range. Up to that point, he had only charged the car from the comfort of his own home.   

Given Ignacio’s proximity to Navajo Lake, the Southern Ute Museum and Chimney Rock, the EV dual port charge station will certainly be a welcome addition for tourist visiting the region.  

“Ron [Schermacher] really deserves the credit, hats off to Ron,” said Clark Craig with the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce. 

The new EV charging station and map can now be pulled up online at the Charge Point website: https://na.chargepoint.com