(Salida, CO, Nov. 18, 2024) – The Faricy Boys Automotive, a family-owned, Colorado-based automotive dealership group serving Salida, Cañon City and Colorado Springs for 80+ years, is hosting a “plug-in” ceremony to celebrate the expansion of their Electric Vehicle (EV) capabilities. Details below:

What: The Faricy Boys Automotive EV plug-in event

When: Tues., Nov. 19, 2024

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: The Faricy Boys Automotive, 931 E U.S. 50, Salida, CO 81201

Automotive manufacturers establish guidelines for dealerships to be eligible to sell Electric Vehicles, including the installation of charging stations that contribute to a nationwide network that reduces “range anxiety” for prospective customers – one of the biggest challenges facing greater EV adoption, particularly in rural areas.

By leveraging grants from the Colorado Energy Office as part of their Charge Ahead Colorado initiative as well as the EV Supply Infrastructure Plan from Xcel Energy, The Faricy Boys were able to develop a comprehensive EV charging installation plan that brings industry-leading charging equipment to the Salida area, including:

·       A dual-port 140kW Level 3 DC Fast Charger (DCFC) located on Highway 50 and available to the public

·       A dual-port 240kW Level 3 DCFC that allows the dealership to charge its fleet & service customers rapidly

·       4 dual-port 19.2kW Level 2 chargers (2 customer-facing chargers located on either side of the dealership and 2 for internal use).

To offset the increased electricity usage, the dealership also invested in a rooftop solar array capable of producing nearly 350,000 kWh annually. The dealership earned a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development under its Rural Energy for America Plan (REAP) to offset the cost of this solar installation.

“After two years of planning, we are pleased to be able to offer advanced charging technology to EV owners in Salida as well as travelers between the Western Slope and the Front Range.  While we understand EVs are not for everyone, we are enthusiastic about the increased interest in EVs in Salida over the last 12-months,” states Ben Faricy, President, The Faricy Boys. “Several members of our staff drive EVs personally, and we are committed to being a trusted resource for education and expertise for those considering whether a gas, diesel, hybrid or full EV is right for them.”

The Faricy Boys EV initiatives are fueled by partnerships with the Colorado Energy Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Xcel Energy, iPOWER Alliance, Spear Commercial, Autel, Sturgeon Electric, EV Connect, Drive Clean Colorado, and Clean the Air Foundation.  

These projects are part of a larger initiative by The Faricy Boys. Throughout their stores in Southern Colorado, The Faricy Boys have made similar investments in EV infrastructure, Solar, energy efficient LED lighting & HVAC solutions over the last 2 years.

On Friday, Nov. 29, from 3-6pm, The Faricy Boys will be hosting an EV open house, offering education, information and EV test drives to the community.

About The Faricy Boys Automotive

The Faricy Boys Automotive is a family-owned, Colorado-based automotive dealership group established in 1942 representing the Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chevrolet & GMC brands with locations in Salida, Canon City and Colorado Springs.