Electric Vehicles in Illinois

EV infrastructure incentives are now available from the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

EV Charging Station Rebates

DCEO is providing rebates toward the installation of Level II charging stations.  Rebates cover 50% of installation costs (equipment and labor) up to a maximum of $3,500 for publicly accessible stations or a maximum or $3,000 for non-publicly accessible stations.

Eligible applicants include public/commercial entities (e.g., units of local government, businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits) and property owners of single- or multi-unit residential buildings.

Rebate applications will be processed on a rolling basis.  The deadline for rebate applications is June 15, 2012.  DCEO anticipates re-opening the rebate program again next fiscal year.

Click here for the Illinois Public/Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Rebate Program guidelines and application packet

Click here for the Illinois Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Rebate Program guidelines and application packet

Click here for a checklist to ensure that you have met all rebate application requirements (for your use only; not required for submission)

Click here for guidance on EV charging for persons with disabilities

EV Industry Development Grants

DCEO is providing grants toward projects that support electric vehicle and electric vehicle supply equipment production through the development or expansion of related businesses, including component manufacturers.

Proposed projects are eligible for grants covering up to 50 percent of eligible project cost (see guidelines posted at the link below for details).  The maximum grant award is $1,000,000.  The deadline for grant applications is May 31, 2012.  DCEO anticipates re-opening the grant program again next fiscal year.

Click here for the Illinois Electric Vehicle Industry Development Grant guidelines and application packet.

Illinois has provided early leadership in supporting the adoption and use of (EVs) throughout the state:

• The Illinois General Assembly appropriated up to $10 million in capital funding for (DCEO) to award EV manufacturing and infrastructure grants and loans. 
  
• DCEO chairs the Illinois Electric Vehicle Advisory Council, which was formed when Governor Quinn signed the Electric Vehicle Act (Public Act 97-0089) in July 2011.  In December 2011, the Council submitted a final report to Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly with recommendations on promoting the adoption and use of EVs in Illinois.  The Council continues to meet to implement the report recommendations and guide ongoing development of the state’s EV programs and policies.
  
• The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) offers rebates toward EV purchases.  Visit the Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program website for more information.
  
• The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) launched a Plug‐in Electric Vehicle Initiative (PEV Initiative) to explore regulatory issues related to EV deployment.
  
• Through its partnership with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, Illinois is in the midst of installing one of the most comprehensive public charging station networks in the United States.  Charging station locations are searchable on the ChargePoint Network.
  
• Collaborative efforts among local officials, business leaders, and educational institutions to create EVTown in Bloomington‐Normal and to pass an EV infrastructure ordinance in Kane County serve as models for local EV initiatives throughout the nation.

These initiatives provide a strong foundation from which Illinois can pursue the full spectrum of opportunities that EVs offer:

• Consumer advantages of electricity as a relatively low‐cost “fuel” and EVs’ less frequent maintenance requirements
  
• Environmental benefits from reduced emissions
  
• Economic development and job creation from the growth of EV‐related technologies and services
  
• Decreased reliance on imported petroleum
  
• Opportunities to integrate and leverage renewable energy resources and smart grid deployment