- Illinois leads US EV growth with a 50% increase in EV registrations in Q1 2025, outperforming the national average.
- Strong incentives drive adoption as Illinois offers up to $4,000 for EVs, $1,500 for motorcycles, and rebates for commercial vehicles.
- Infrastructure expansion is underway with Blink Charging securing a $2 million grant to add 15 new charging stations across Illinois.
From rebates to charging stations: Illinois powers EV growth with robust incentives
EVs are gaining momentum across the US, but Illinois is pulling ahead of the pack.
In the first quarter of 2025, Illinois saw 9,821 new EV registrations. That’s a jump of more than 50% from the same period in 2024. By comparison, EV growth across the US rose by just 12%. Illinois is outpacing the national average by more than 4 to 1.
Incentives are the key to EV market growth
Illinois offers up to $4,000 back for the purchase of a new or used EV. Buyers of electric motorcycles can receive up to $1,500. These rebates, offered by the Illinois EPA, are part of a larger strategy to speed up the shift to clean transportation. The program also prioritizes low-income residents and those who buy from Illinois-based dealerships.
On the commercial side, the state’s biggest utility, ComEd, has stepped in with its own $90 million EV program. Medium-duty trucks can get between $20,000 and $30,000 in rebates, while light-duty vehicles can qualify for up to $7,500—on top of federal tax incentives.
Charging access is expanding, too. Blink Charging recently won a $2 million state grant to install 15 new stations across Illinois. These will include 10 fast-charging units and five Level 2 chargers, making it easier for drivers to charge on the go.
This state-level push comes even as federal support faces uncertainty. President Trump has moved to cancel the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and pause the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) program. However, legal challenges have so far delayed or blocked those efforts, keeping funds available—for now.
California is amongst the only other states coming close to Illinois’ efforts. Last year, the state introduced a new program that provides up to $14,000 in rebates for low-income households purchasing EVs. This is a significant boost compared to federal incentives. However, Illinois still holds a unique position with its broad range of incentives for both personal and commercial EVs, as well as its infrastructure investments.
Despite NEVI uncertainty, Illinois isn’t waiting. Governor JB Pritzker has doubled down on EV growth, with clear results. From strong rebates to major infrastructure upgrades, the state is proving that bold local action can overcome federal roadblocks.
