• Posted: March 12, 2024
• Apprenticeship, Chicago, Chicago Auto Show, Construction Technology, Elbert Walters III, Elgin, EVBox, evse, EVSE installation, Find A Contractor, IBEW Local 134, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Naperville, Recap, Renewable Energy, SWITCH Energy

 

This year’s Chicago Auto Show had a major focus on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, with Powering Chicago taking center stage as the premier sponsor. Showgoers could immerse themselves in interactive exhibits highlighting Powering Chicago’s role in building out the region’s charging network at our EV Charging Resource Center.

One of the main attractions was Powering Chicago’s 73-foot long mobile field trip truck, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the electrical systems and equipment a student would learn about through their apprenticeship. An interactive video billboard displayed information on available rebates and incentives, as well as the steps to ensure a successful EVSE installation for your home or business.

Powering Chicago collaborated with SWTCH Energy and EVBox to provide examples of level 2 and level 3 charging stations inside the EV charging resource center. Attendees could get a feel for operating the charging equipment they may need to consider as EV adoption accelerates.

A key part of the experience was educating people on the fulfilling career path as an IBEW Local 134 electrician through Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program. The Department of Labor approved 5-year training curriculum combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, including over 200 dedicated hours on safety practices. After completing the program, journeyperson electricians can earn average salaries of $100,000 plus excellent benefits like health, dental, vision insurance and a pension plan.

The need for more public charging infrastructure in the region is clear. In just the Chicago, Naperville and Elgin area alone, there are already over 3,000 public chargers installed, with over 700 offering free charging. This is a major increase from 2021 when the entire state of Illinois only had around 2,200 chargers total.

The incentives for purchasing electric vehicles are attractive, but EVs require viable charging networks for drivers. That is where Powering Chicago’s licensed and qualified contractor workforce is leading the charge, with a proven reputation for installing safe and reliable EV infrastructure projects.  
Find a qualified, licensed electrical contractor for your next EV charging installation project by using Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor tool, and watch the video for a full recap of the 2024 Chicago Auto Show.