- Illinois powers up with a 60% surge in EV registrations, signalling a shift toward sustainable mobility – mandate-free.
- Illinoisans snap up the $4,000 rebate offer, fuelling EV purchases and highlighting growing demand.
- With an investment of $40m to double fast charging networks in 2023, the state looks to continue to invest $100 m on charging infrastructure in 2024.
- Pioneering support extends to electric medium and large-duty vehicles, with investments reaching $27 million for electric school buses in 2023.
Illinois drives the future: Leading the U.S. charge with 60% surge in EVs and pioneering support
In the heartland of America, a revolution is underway as Illinois emerges as a beacon for EV adoption – without the need for mandates. The state saw an impressive 60% surge in EV registrations between December 2022 and December 2024, signalling a solid shift towards sustainable mobility. What’s more, Illinois achieved this milestone without imposing a strict EV mandate, relying instead on innovative approaches to propel EV sales.
At the forefront of its EV revolution is a robust rebate programme. Residents are enticed with a $4,000 rebate to purchase an EV, making sustainable choices not only environmentally friendly, but financially luring as well. The programme’s popularity is such that funds have quickly exhausted within a week of availability, underscoring the burgeoning demand for EVs among Illinoisans.
But it’s not just personal vehicles that are electrifying the landscape. Illinois is pioneering support for electric medium and large-duty vehicles, with significant investments and rebates. In 2023 alone, the state allocated $27 million to fund electric school buses, setting a precedent for green mobility initiatives nationwide. Looking ahead in 2024, Illinois remains committed to its electrification goals, earmarking funds for electric transit vehicles and trucks, further cementing its position as a trailblazer in sustainable transportation.
Megha Lakhchaura, State EV Officer at the State of Illinois, said;
“As Illinois powers into the future, we’re not just leading the charge; we’re setting a standard for sustainable mobility nationwide – without need for mandates. From robust rebate programmes to strategic investments in charging infrastructure, Illinoisans are embracing the electric future.”
Legislation plays a pivotal role in Illinois’ EV evolution. The Government EV Charging Act, passed in May last year, mandates EV parking spaces in new constructions – a bold move that ensures infrastructure readiness for the electric future. The Zero Emission Vehicles Act also sets a visionary target: by 2030, all passenger vehicles purchased or leased by the Government of Illinois must be zero-emission, a testament to the state’s commitment to combating climate change.
Investment in charging infrastructure is key to unlocking the full potential of e-mobility.
In 2023, Illinois launched grants totalling $40 million to expand its fast-charging network, doubling the current number of fast-charging ports statewide. Building on this momentum, an additional $100 million will be invested in 2024 to bolster charging infrastructure, ensuring EV drivers have seamless access to charging stations across the state. ComEd’s initiative for home charging further democratises EV adoption, catering to both single homes and multi-unit dwellings.
Illinois’s proactive stance extends beyond state borders, leveraging federal funding to accelerate its electrification efforts. Through competitive grant programs, the state secured funding for nearly 400 electric school buses, transforming the future of student transportation. A $15 million grant for community charging underscores Illinois’s commitment to inclusive EV infrastructure, ensuring no community is left behind. Transit agencies statewide have also received over $80 million in federal awards, catalysing the electrification of buses and modernisation of infrastructure.
The shift towards e-mobility in Illinois signals a bold move as part of a transformative journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. With robust incentives and strategic investments, the state is not only leading the charge, but setting the standard for sustainable transportation nationwide. As other states look to emulate its success, Illinois stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.
