Electric vehicle owners in Illinois can hit the road with a little less range anxiety today, thanks to the opening of the state's first publicly funded EV charging stations. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has flipped the switch on sixteen new charging ports at four locations, stretching from Beach Park to Troy. Interim Director James Jennings made the announcement, noting the expansion of the state's EV infrastructure as a step towards cleaner transportation options.
The newly operational charging sites, situated at gas stations in different counties, are the front runners in the state's plan to introduce over 2,600 DC fast charge and Level 2 ports. In a statement obtained by Illinois government news, Jennings shared, "Here in Illinois, we are excited to continue the build-out of our electric vehicle charging network to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles." The Driving a Cleaner Illinois program aims to bridge, the current gaps in the EV charging network, ensuring that EVs are a viable option for motorists statewide.
Under the ambitious Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Illinois is targeting one million EVs on its roads by 2030. Already, the Illinois EPA is making headway with $82.6 million in grants allocated for establishing these vital charging points. In pursuit of this goal, public amenities such as hotels and shopping centers are being considered as potential hubs for these new installations. This investment will result in approximately 2,000 DC fast charge and 600 Level 2 charging ports.
The official locations for these EV chargers can be found on the Illinois EPA's website where motorists planning their trips can strategize their stops. For drivers looking to keep abreast of the latest in state-funded EV infrastructure, the agency invites them to sign up for the EV listserv provided on their portal. More information on the second round of CEJA EV Chargers funding awards is also expected to be released, in the near future.
