You’ve just landed in the Olympic City, the crisp mountain air hitting you as you step out of the terminal. You’ve booked a sleek, self-driving-capable Tesla Model 3 from Frontier Tesla, and it’s waiting for you downtown. You’re ready to hit the road, perhaps heading toward a trade show or a concert at the Colorado Springs Event Center. But then, the thought hits you. Where am I going to charge this thing?
Range anxiety is a relic of the past, yet "charging strategy" is the new travel skill every EV renter needs to master. In Colorado Springs, you’re caught between two primary worlds: the blazing speed of the Tesla Supercharger network and the convenience of destination charging at places like the Colorado Springs Event Center. Which one wins? It depends on whether you value your time or your wallet more.
I’ve spent years managing EV fleets and navigating the specific quirks of the Colorado charging infrastructure. What we’ve learned at Frontier Tesla is that the "best" charger isn't always the fastest one. Sometimes, the best charger is the one that lets you enjoy your event without thinking about your battery.
Compatibility 101: Can Your Frontier Tesla Rental Use Event Center Chargers?
Let’s clear the air on the most common question we get: Are the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center compatible with Frontier Tesla rentals?
The short answer is yes. But there’s a small "but" you need to know about.
Tesla uses a proprietary charging connector (now known as NACS). Most public charging stations, including the Level 2 units typically found at the Colorado Springs Event Center, use the J1772 standard. This is the "universal" plug for non-Tesla electric vehicles.
Every Frontier Tesla rental comes equipped with a J1772 adapter. You’ll find it in the trunk or the center console. You simply slide this adapter onto the Event Center’s charging cable, and it clicks right into your Model 3. It’s seamless. We’ve ensured that our fleet is ready for the diverse charging landscape of the Pikes Peak region.
The Hardware Reality
- Event Center Plug: J1772 (Requires Adapter).
- Frontier Tesla Plug: NACS (Native).
- The Solution: The included Frontier adapter makes them 100% compatible.
Don't let the different plug shapes intimidate you. It’s no different than using a travel adapter for your phone charger when you’re in Europe. Just remember to toss the adapter back in the car when you’re done. We’ve seen a few left behind, and while we keep spares, it’s a headache you don’t want on your vacation.
The Financials: Is it Cheaper to Supercharge or Use the Event Center?
Money talks. When you’re budgeting for a trip, the cost of "fuel" matters, even if that fuel is electrons. So, is it cheaper to Supercharge or use the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center?
Generally, the Colorado Springs Event Center is the more economical choice, but it comes with a caveat.
Tesla Superchargers are high-performance machines. You’re paying for the massive infrastructure and the speed. In the Colorado Springs area, Supercharging rates typically fluctuate between $0.32 and $0.48 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on the time of day. If you’re charging during "peak" hours (usually mid-afternoon), you’ll pay a premium.
In contrast, the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center are often managed by third-party networks like ChargePoint. While prices can change based on the event or the facility's current policy, they often charge a lower flat rate or a smaller per-kWh fee. In some instances, during specific community events, destination charging can even be free for attendees.
A Quick Cost Comparison
Imagine you need to add 50 kWh to your Model 3 (roughly 170 miles of range).
- Tesla Supercharger: At an average of $0.40/kWh, you’re looking at $20.00.
- Event Center (L2): At an average of $0.20/kWh (or a flat $5-10 fee), you’re looking at $10.00 or less.
Here’s the thing: while the Event Center is cheaper, you have to stay there for hours to get that energy. If you aren't already planning to be at the Event Center for an expo or a show, the "savings" are wiped out by the value of your time. But if you’re already inside watching a home and garden show? That’s essentially "free" time you’re using to refuel.
The Speed Factor: How Long Will You Be Plugged In?
This is where the two options diverge sharply. You’re likely wondering: How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3 at the Colorado Springs Event Center?
Patience is a virtue, and you’ll need it at the Event Center. The chargers there are Level 2 (L2) units. Think of an L2 charger like a high-powered clothes dryer outlet. It’s steady, but it’s not a firehose.
A Tesla Model 3 charging at the Colorado Springs Event Center will typically gain about 25 to 30 miles of range per hour.
If you arrive with a nearly empty battery (say, 10%) and want to get back to 80%, you are looking at a 6 to 8-hour commitment. This is perfect if you are working a booth at a convention all day. It’s less ideal if you just stopped by to check out a 30-minute exhibit.
Supercharging: The "Pit Stop" Experience
Compare that to the Tesla Supercharger on North Nevada Avenue or the one near Woodmen Road. These are Level 3 DC Fast Chargers.
- Supercharger Speed: Up to 1,000 miles of range per hour (at peak).
- Real-World Time: You can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes.
So, the trade-off is clear. The Event Center is a "slow drip" while you do something else. The Supercharger is a dedicated stop that gets you back on the road before you’ve finished your latte.
Strategic Charging for the Colorado Springs Traveler
I’ve found that the most successful renters are the ones who "ABC"—Always Be Charging.
If you’re renting from Frontier Tesla, you’re likely here to see the sights. Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum are all on your list. These locations involve a lot of driving, and the elevation changes in Colorado Springs can be brutal on an EV battery. Climbing toward Cascade or Manitou Springs sucks up energy faster than driving on a flat highway in Kansas.
That said, you also get the benefit of regenerative braking on the way down. But you still need a solid baseline of charge.
When to use the Event Center Chargers:
- You are attending a multi-hour event (expo, concert, trade show).
- Your hotel doesn't have dedicated EV charging.
- You want to save a few bucks and aren't in a rush.
- You’re at 50% and just want to top off while you’re inside.
When to head to a Supercharger:
- You’re below 20% and need to head to the airport or Pikes Peak immediately.
- You’re on a tight schedule and can’t wait 6 hours for a charge.
- You want the reliability of the Tesla integrated navigation (which pre-conditions the battery for faster charging).
Navigating the Elevation: Why Your "Miles" Might Lie to You
Here is a bit of insider knowledge we give all our Frontier Tesla clients: The "miles" displayed on your dashboard are an estimate based on ideal conditions. Colorado Springs is anything but ideal. We are at 6,035 feet.
When you drive from downtown Colorado Springs up to the Event Center, you’re gaining elevation. When you head further west toward the mountains, you’re climbing even more. Cold weather and steep grades can reduce your effective range by 20-30%.
This makes the charging at the Colorado Springs Event Center even more valuable. If you can plug in for three hours while at an event, you’ve just offset the energy cost of your climb into the foothills. It’s about being proactive. Don't wait for the low battery warning to start thinking about your next plug.
Real-World Scenario: The "Expo Attendee" vs. The "Mountain Explorer"
Let’s look at two different Frontier Tesla renters to see how this plays out.
Renter A: The Expo Attendee Sarah is in town for a three-day tech expo at the Colorado Springs Event Center. She picks up her Model 3 downtown. She drives to her hotel, then to the Event Center each morning. By plugging into the L2 chargers at the Event Center for 6 hours each day, she never has to visit a Supercharger the entire trip. She saves about $40 in charging costs and never spends a minute "waiting" for the car to charge.
Renter B: The Mountain Explorer Mark is here to hike. He’s staying in an Airbnb in Old Colorado City. He spends his days driving to various trailheads. He doesn't have 6 hours to sit at the Event Center. For him, the Tesla Superchargers are a godsend. He stops for 15 minutes at the Woodmen Rd Supercharger, grabs a snack, and he’s back to 80%. The extra $10 he spends on Supercharging is worth the 5 hours of hiking time he gains.
Which one are you? Most people are a mix of both.
Key Takeaways for Frontier Tesla Renters
Before you head out, keep these points in mind to ensure a smooth, electric journey through El Paso County:
- Check the App: Use the ChargePoint or PlugShare app to check the real-time availability of the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center. There’s nothing worse than arriving to find all the plugs taken.
- Adapter is King: Always verify the J1772 adapter is in your Frontier Tesla before leaving the pickup point.
- Idle Fees: Both Superchargers and some Event Center chargers may charge "idle fees" if you stay plugged in after the car is full. Move your car once you’re topped off!
- Pre-condition: If you decide to Supercharge, put the Supercharger location into the Tesla’s onboard GPS. The car will warm up the battery to ensure you get the maximum charging speed.
Beyond the Plug: Maximizing Your Model 3 Efficiency
Charging is only half the battle. How you drive your Frontier Tesla rental determines how often you need to visit the Colorado Springs Event Center.
- Use Chill Mode: If you aren't used to the instant torque of an EV, Chill Mode will smooth out your acceleration and save battery.
- Regenerative Braking: Set it to "Standard." In the mountains, this is your best friend. You can actually gain 2-3% of your battery back just by driving down from a high point.
- Climate Control: The heater is a major battery drain in the winter. Use the heated seats and steering wheel instead of cranking the cabin air to 80 degrees. It’s much more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to Supercharge or use the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center?
Supercharging is generally more expensive, costing between $0.32 and $0.48 per kWh. The Colorado Springs Event Center chargers are typically Level 2 and often cost significantly less, sometimes even offering flat-rate parking that includes charging. However, Supercharging is much faster.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3 at the Colorado Springs Event Center?
At the Event Center, you’ll likely be using a Level 2 charger, which adds about 25–30 miles of range per hour. A full charge from 10% to 80% could take 6 to 8 hours. In contrast, a Tesla Supercharger can do the same in about 20–30 minutes.
Are the chargers at the Colorado Springs Event Center compatible with Frontier Tesla rentals?
Yes, they are compatible. While the Event Center uses the standard J1772 plug, every Frontier Tesla rental includes a NACS-to-J1772 adapter. Simply attach the adapter to the charging cable, and you can plug it directly into the Tesla.
Where is the nearest Supercharger to the Colorado Springs Event Center?
The closest Supercharger is typically the one located at 3120 N Nevada Ave, which is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Event Center. This is a V3 Supercharger capable of 250kW speeds.
The Frontier Tesla Promise
At Frontier Tesla, we believe that renting an electric car should be an upgrade, not a compromise. We provide the latest Model 3s, fully equipped with self-driving capabilities and all the necessary adapters to navigate the Colorado Springs charging network.
Whether you choose the rapid-fire speed of a Supercharger or the budget-friendly convenience of the Colorado Springs Event Center, you’re driving the future. The Pikes Peak region is one of the most beautiful places on Earth—and it looks even better through the glass roof of a Tesla.
So, go ahead. Book that rental. Head to the Event Center. Climb that mountain. We’ve got the power covered.
Sources: Tesla Supercharger Map - Official directory of Tesla Supercharging locations and speeds. ChargePoint Station Finder - Real-time data on Level 2 charging availability in Colorado Springs. U.S. Department of Energy - EV Charging Levels - Technical breakdown of Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging speeds. Colorado Springs Event Center Official Site - Information on facility amenities and parking.