- Just weeks after the state of Illinois announced the first round of funding, worth $50 million, to create up to 46 charging hubs in the state, a second round of EV charging grants has been announced.
- This new funding has extended eligibility, with local public agencies able to apply, while level 2 EV chargers are now also supported.
- The move marks Illinois’ continual push to get its drivers in EVs, following in the steps of states with high EV adoption such as California.
Round 2 of public EV charging funding for Illinois
Hot on the heels of the first $50m of funding, applications can be made to this new pot of cash with some certain criteria. Firstly, charging hubs must be publicly accessible, and applicants must be applying for a minimum of two separate charging locations. Local government organisations are now also eligible for a grant, while chargers on the sites can be Level 2, or the faster Level 3 charge point associated with rapid DC chargers.
The grants help complement the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which is more aimed at charging points on interstates. This funding will go to charging stations primarily for local journeys, such as shopping centres or hospitals. Those applying for EV charging grants based at public transport facilities will score more points, however.
Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, commented:
“Illinois is leading the clean energy revolution, and my administration is building on our momentum by investing in public EV chargers across our state… Thanks to our $44 million investment, public and private organizations will now be able to install and maintain the infrastructure we need to encourage more EV drivers.”
Illinois EPA Director, John J. Kim, added:
“Illinois EPA is excited to offer another funding opportunity, which extends eligibility to include units of local government and publicly available Level 2 charging ports… This funding opportunity compliments the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding being implemented through the Illinois Department of Transportation and will build on the Pritzker Administration’s commitment to electric vehicle growth in Illinois.”
