• Posted: January 27, 2026
• Commercial EV charging installation in Cook County, DC fast-charging electrical construction in Chicago, Electrical site utility installation in Chicago, EV infrastructure contractors in Chicago, IBEW Local 134 EV construction projects

For more than a century, Powering Chicago Member Contractor Meade Electric Company has been a leading electrical contractor in the region, delivering complex infrastructure projects across transit, industrial, utility, mission-critical, and commercial markets. As a 118-year-old family-owned company, Meade is deeply rooted in Chicago’s construction landscape, working alongside IBEW Local 134 and a wide network of union trades to build projects that stand the test of time. Their teams bring the technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and project controls needed to execute work safely, efficiently, and at scale.

As demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure accelerates across the region, the BP Pulse EV Charging Station project in Des Plaines demonstrates how modern electrical construction in Chicago and Cook County is evolving to meet higher power requirements, tighter site constraints, and more complex coordination needs. Located directly behind a BP station, just outside O’Hare Airport and off the I-90 westbound expressway, the site is strategically positioned to serve travelers, commuters, and regional fleets.

The site officially opened in December 2025 with representatives from ComEd, including the utility’s CEO, and State Rep. Michelle Mussman in attendance. The project received funding through Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan and the Illinois EPA’s Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program, demonstrating how public-private partnerships are accelerating EV infrastructure development across the state.

Meade Electric Company played a central role in delivering the electrical distribution, underground utilities, and fast-charging systems that power this high-demand location.

A Large-Scale Fast-Charging Build Designed for Heavy Output

The BP Pulse site was built for heavy throughput from the start, and the scale of the electrical work reflects that. The installation called for 40 Level 3 DC fast charging points delivered through 20 dual-port charging units, comprising 14 Tritium PKM-150 fast-charging units and 6 Alpitronic HYC400 hyper chargers. Together, they create a high-capacity charging hub capable of serving a constant stream of drivers, from travelers leaving O’Hare to commercial vehicles moving along one of Cook County’s busiest corridors.

Supporting this amount of fast-charging power required a substantial electrical backbone. Meade Electric Company constructed a new distribution system built around two 3,000+-amp switchboards, feeding multiple branch panels, DC rectifiers, and the rest of the site’s charging infrastructure. This system forms the core of the installation—managing load, maintaining consistent output, and ensuring each Level 3 charger can deliver reliable, uninterrupted performance.

In combination, the charger deployment and the upgraded distribution network turn the site into a durable, high-power EV charging node that operates continuously and efficiently, even during peak demand.

Precision Planning and Tight Coordination in a Constrained Workspace

Construction began in February 2025, starting with conduit stub-ups into the charger bases to allow the civil contractor to pour foundations. From there, the project quickly progressed to full-scale electrical construction.

Working behind an operating gas station introduced unique challenges—restricted movement, limited staging space, and precise scheduling to avoid disrupting daily operations.

The design team frequently revised installation requirements throughout the project, requiring rapid adjustments to sequencing, layout, and electrical pathways. Meade’s crews worked closely with the general contractor to implement revisions while maintaining progress and safeguarding quality.

Overcoming Utility Conflicts and Complex Underground Conditions

A key challenge arose when the initial information about the underground switchgear boxes did not align with actual project needs. The team worked through on-site verification, adjustments, and careful coordination to ensure the installation remained safe and compliant, allowing the project to move forward and successfully reach its final installation stages.

Integrating Technology: Lighting, Networking, and Security Infrastructure

In addition to the charging systems and distribution equipment, Meade Electric Company installed new site lighting and completed extensive low-voltage work to support operational and safety requirements. This included:

• Network cabinet wiring
  
• CAT6 cabling for security cameras
  
• Cabling for wireless access points (WAPs)
  

By bundling EV, power distribution, lighting, and data systems into a cohesive installation, the project ensures the site remains reliable, well-lit, and fully monitored.

A Strong Example of Electrical Construction Excellence in Chicago

Completed in December 2025, the BP Pulse EV Charging Station showcases the expertise, adaptability, and technical depth of contractors within Chicago’s electrical construction industry. Despite design revisions, utility conflicts, and a tightly restricted workspace, Meade Electric Company delivered a complex fast-charging installation that strengthens regional EV infrastructure at one of the most trafficked gateways in Cook County.

For municipality leaders, facility managers, developers, and property owners planning EV upgrades or new installations, this project underscores the value of working with experienced contractors who understand the demands of modern electrical construction in Chicago and who can execute high-power, high-precision projects on challenging sites.As demand for quality electrical work continues to rise, choosing a trusted contractor is essential. Explore the Find a Contractor Tool to connect with the experts who can support your project.