• Posted: November 22, 2023
• $27 Million, better communities, better construction, CEJA, EIEC, Elbert Walters III, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), electric vehicles, EPA, Equity Investment Eligible Community (EIEC), Funding, Gran Accountability and Transparency Act, Illinois, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), powering chicago, Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

The state of Illinois recently announced $27 million in funding to support the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. This investment comes from the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan and is authorized by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

The funding will be distributed through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The goal is to install 675 new DC fast charging ports at publicly accessible locations like shopping centers, gas stations, and retail stores. 

“Incentives like this funding opportunity are critical to accelerate EV adoption and build out the necessary charging infrastructure,” Elbert Walters III, executive director of Powering Chicago, said. “Our mission at Powering Chicago is to serve as a leading resource and facilitate connections between customers and qualified electrical contractors to ensure safe and proper installation of EV charging systems across the Chicagoland area.”

The state aims to fund a percentage of submitted projects to install the new EV charging stations. Each project must include at least two charging locations with a minimum of two charging ports per location.

Extra points will be awarded to proposed stations in communities identified as equity investment eligible through the Equity Investment Eligible Community (EIEC) mapping tool. This helps direct funding to environmental justice and rural communities in need of EV infrastructure. 

The funding opportunity is open to private organizations incorporated in Illinois that own the proposed charging location. Applications will be accepted through December 22, 2023. All applicants must pre-qualify through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

This investment in EV charging infrastructure will help Illinois reach its climate goals and expand access to clean transportation across the state. Drivers will soon have more convenient options for charging their EVs thanks to the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

For more information on EV charging infrastructure, download Powering Chicago’s free eBook: The Time is Now: Considerations for EV Charging Infrastructure. You can also download additional free resources like our EVSE Fact Sheets highlighting business benefits and other financial incentives available for EV charging infrastructure.