EV Communities
State Funding for Energy Improvements including Charging Stations
The Illinois Finance Authority PACE Program is designed to accelerate private investment in PACE Projects affixed to existing and newly constructed commercial, industrial, non-residential agricultural, and multi-family (5 or more units) properties, in each case up to 25% of the value of the property. Eligible improvements generally include fixtures, products, systems, equipment, devices, and materials intended for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, or water use; electric vehicle charging stations are eligible improvements too. Read more.
IEPA Charging Incentive Program
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is directed to provide funding, consistent with Illinois Commerce Commission-approved Beneficial Electrification Plans, to public and private organizations and companies to install and maintain Level 2 or Level 3 charging stations.
Up to 80% of the cost of the installation of charging stations may be funded. Additional awards may incentivize charging infrastructure in eligible communities. Applications will be posted to this page when available.
The charging infrastructure grant rule, 35 Ill. Adm. Code 285, has been published in the Illinois Register. The rule will establish the Charging Infrastructure Grant Program as required by Public Act 102-0662, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Comments may be submitted on the rule until October 3, 2022. Please see the Illinois Register for details.
Investing in a Statewide Public EV Charging Network
On September 27, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration approved IDOT’s plan to build a reliable electric vehicle charging network throughout the state. This plan provides a framework for implementing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a provision of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Illinois will receive more than $148 million in federal funding from NEVI over the next five years to build out a network of public EV charging stations across the state. Successful implementation of the NEVI program will require collaboration across government agencies, the public sector and private entities. IDOT is working closely with other state agencies on important issues such as workforce development, cybersecurity and ensuring equitable deployment of charging infrastructure. IDOT is also seeking input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment manufacturers, labor unions, potential site hosts, electric utilities and municipalities. Learn more.
Federal Clean School Bus Rebates
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. EPA’s new Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. The first funding opportunity for $500 million through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates program for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates has closed.