The Colorado Department of Transportation has installed electric charging stations along 17 out of 26 scenic and historic byways, as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and make electric vehicles more practical and appealing. (Photo Courtesy Colorado Tourism Office)

The adventure no one needs this summer is having their car run out of gas — or battery charge for hybrid and electric vehicles. As the state adds more charging stations strategically placed along scenic byways, electric vehicle drivers have more chances to see Colorado scenery.

As of February, 65% of the Centennial State’s historic and scenic byways are “electrified.”

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Scenic & Historic Byway Commission announced that 17 of Colorado’s 26 byways have electric charging stations within 100 miles. This effort is part of the Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap that was designed to help the state meet emissions numbers by making electric vehicles more practical and appealing.

It makes sense to be out and about appreciating nature while also protecting it from harmful fumes and pollution, and these charging stations are part of an eco-friendly initiative for tourists.

A Colorado Electric Byway must either have a dual-port DC fast charging station at least every 100 miles within the start and end of the byway or if the byway is under 100 miles long, the station needs to be available within 15 miles of the start or end of the byway.

In addition, nearby communities are being encouraged to install these charging stations at established places frequented by travelers, such as hotels, restaurants, and even trailheads.

The three newest Colorado Electric Byways are: