The new Tesla Cortez charging station is transforming electric travel across southwestern Colorado. Opened in June 2025, the DC fast-charging hub fills a critical 120-mile gap between Durango and Bluff, Utah—offering drivers peace of mind on scenic routes like the Trail of the Ancients and Mesa Verde.
Plugging the Gap: Cortez Powers Up for EVs
Situated between Safeway and First Southwest Bank along Main Street, the new charging site is a milestone for EV infrastructure in the Four Corners region. According to CDOT acting director Sally Chafee, the station ensures that travelers no longer face “range anxiety” when visiting Colorado’s iconic destinations. It allows quick, reliable recharging amid remote terrain with limited services.
This is the fourth charging site in Cortez, but it’s by far the most robust. The facility boasts eight dual-port chargers compatible with both NACS and CCS connectors, significantly expanding capacity for Tesla and non-Tesla EVs alike.
A Public-Private Push for EV Connectivity
The Tesla Cortez charging station was made possible through joint funding from the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). It’s part of a broader rollout under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which supports DC fast-charging stations capable of reaching 80% charge within 20 to 60 minutes.
This location is now the sixth NEVI-funded site in Colorado, with 12 more expected statewide by the end of 2025. It aligns with Colorado’s goals to promote clean transportation and reduce carbon emissions while accommodating the state’s rapidly growing EV user base.
Drivers Respond: An ‘Oasis’ for Long-Distance EV Travel
For travelers like Dan Daniel—who stopped to recharge his Tesla Model Y while returning from a road trip to Oklahoma—the station is nothing short of essential.
“There’s a real hole in terms of charging,” Daniel said, highlighting how sparse infrastructure can disrupt travel plans. “This is an oasis.”
His sentiment is echoed by EV owners who rely on dependable public charging for long-haul routes through less-developed areas of the West.
Building a Greener Future Across Colorado
Cortez’s addition to the EV network represents more than a convenience—it’s part of a statewide commitment to sustainable, future-ready mobility. With strategic infrastructure expansion, fast chargers like this one will help ensure Colorado is not just beautiful, but accessible and green for drivers across the energy spectrum.
For more on Colorado’s EV infrastructure, visit the NEVI Colorado Program or explore the U.S. Department of Transportation’s EV Funding page.
