Lyons DC Fast Charger Project
Informational Meeting
Join us for an informational meeting on the new fast chargers planned for Sandstone Park.
Date: Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Lyons Community Library, 451 4th Ave. Lyons, CO
Thanks to a grant from the Colorado Energy Office, the Town of Lyons, in partnership with Jule and local contractor IPOWER Alliance, is in the final application process to bring four Level 3 DC fast chargers to the community.
Learn more on the project, local Electric Vehicle usage and the growing number of Electric Vehicles on the road by joining us Monday night or if you can't join us in person, join us on Zoom!
We look forward to the community’s input on this project.
Project Overview
Jule, in partnership with the Town of Lyons and local contractor IPOWER Alliance, is proposing to install four Level 3 DC fast chargers (DCFC) and a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the southeast corner of Sandstone Park, across from the post office.
FAQs
What is the Lyons EV Fast Charger Project?
Jule, in partnership with the Town of Lyons and local contractor IPOWER Alliance, is proposing to install four Level 3 DC fast chargers (DCFC) and a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the southeast corner of Sandstone Park, across from the post office.
How is the Lyons EV Fast Charger Project being funded?
The project is the result of the Colorado Energy Office’s Direct Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas program which is funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and the Community Access Enterprise (CAE). The funding encourages rural communities and mountain towns to invest in EV technology, encouraging EV usage, addressing range anxiety and gaps in EV charging availability.
Why is there a variance needed?
While chargers are permitted at the public park, town code calls for the battery bank that feeds the chargers to be 25’ feet away from the street. The variance request asks the town for the battery bank to be 10’ away from the street. This box is similar in size to a transformer that would be required for the chargers, so it is alternative infrastructure in lieu of a transformer.
Why battery powered EV Chargers?
Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) use a lot of power which needs stand-alone infrastructure. DCFC EV Chargers use power at a high rate, and we did not want this demand on our utilities. This project will not require the town to provide utility upgrades or cost the town anything for the installation.
Where will the charging stations be located?
The charging stations will be located in the southeast corner of Sandstone Park.
Why was this location selected and what is the site criteria in choosing a charging station location?
Site criteria includes access to restrooms and amenities (food and shopping), but not taking up valuable parking on main street. The location must accommodate parking for 4 chargers, including one handicap accessible spot.
Who will own and operate the chargers?
eCamion, also known as Jule, will own and operate the chargers. They will lease the space from the town of Lyons. Local solar and EV Charger development company, IPOWER Alliance, will provide local service on the chargers.
Who determined the site criteria?
The site criteria is driven by guidelines outlined in the grant funding received for the project. The project is funded by the Colorado Energy Office’s Direct Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas program which is funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and the Community Access Enterprise (CAE).
What were the challenges with other potential locations?
Several challenges in identifying a site included DOT owned property, which does not allow for commercial use, private commercial property which is not capable of supporting the number of chargers or requirements or city property that either had existing usage agreements, historical value, or did not meet the criteria.
Does the location of the chargers negatively impact Sandstone Park?
We understand the sensitivity of placing EV hardware in a public park which is why we have thoughtfully designed charger placement to minimize park impact. The chargers are placed in a low usage area of the park, calling for low visibility and turnkey charging capabilities.
How does the project benefit Lyons business owners and residents?
- Increase confidence for EV users to address range anxiety
- Consistent charging availability
- Reputation of being a sustainable, renewable energy driven community
- EV Drivers will visit Main Street for shopping and restaurants
- Fast chargers now available in the TOL for local EV Drivers.
- Collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, TOL, to promote local businesses.
Why is this project a good fit for the Town of Lyons?
The Town of Lyons is an environmentally aware, socially conscious community. A forward-thinking initiative like this is simply part of our DNA, leading the charge on renewable solutions that are good for our community, and planet.
How prevalent are Electric Vehicles across the state?
In Colorado, 1 in 4 new cars is now electric. By the third quarter of 2024, 25.3% of all new vehicles sold in the state were EVs—a higher rate than in any other state in the country, including California, which trailed slightly at 24.3%. (Source: Multi-state ZEV Task Force).
What are the benefits of Electric Vehicle usage?
The benefits of an EV include lower cost of electricity compared to gas, decreased car maintenance and cleaner air.
Will there be a cost to the public to charge?
Yes. Public EV chargers sell the energy by the KWh delivered to the vehicle. There could also be parking fees past the time it is completed charging to keep them available to others. Jule will pay the TOL for the energy it delivers to the charging stations.
Why is Lyons an ideal location for Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers?
The NEVI Program has a requirement that all funded projects be located within 1 mile of a federally designated alternative fuel corridor. In Colorado there are 16 designated corridors as illustrated in the map below. Lyons was an ideal location within a designated corridor.
What will happen to the current EV Chargers in Sandstone Park?
They will be removed. The new chargers and battery will be to the east side of the park near 3rd and Railroad.
What types of connectors will the new EV Chargers have?
The new chargers will have a combination of connectors that will work with all types of fully electric vehicles, including CCS TYPE 1 & CHAdeMO (Nissan Leaf) and NACS (Tesla+others).
How loud is the battery?
The proposed Jule EVHub - XL system incorporates (4) charging pedestals and a standalone energy storage system (BESS), both engineered for quiet operation. The BESS, which includes an air conditioning unit for temperature regulation, emits typical sound levels between 50–60 dBA at a distance of 3 meters (10 feet)—comparable to a household air conditioner or quiet conversation. The air conditioning unit cycles on and off based on environmental conditions, producing a low-level hum during operation similar to or quieter than a residential AC system.
The charging pedestals do not include HVAC systems and generate minimal noise, primarily from power electronics during energy dispensing. This operational noise is even quieter than the BESS and has an unobtrusive presence in the community, even during peak charging activity.
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