Chicago's commitment to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure just got a $15 million boost as part of a plan to make EVs more accessible citywide, especially in underserved areas. Announced by Illinois leaders, the federal funding is poised to charge up the City's sustainability and equity efforts. The cash influx from the U.S. Department of Transportation, earmarked for the Charge Up Chicago project, is designed to bridge gaps in EV charging access and promote a clean-energy transition, with a focus on easing the journey for low- and moderate-income residents.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson, and several U.S. Representatives from the Illinois Congressional Delegation including Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis, announced the grant from the Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program. "This funding will propel the decarbonization of our transportation sector while engaging Chicagoans in the process and expanding our workforce,” Durbin stated, as reported by the City of Chicago's official press release.
The plan encompasses the installation of charging stations at various public locations like libraries and community hubs, with an emphasis on spreading the benefits equitably. According to Mayor Johnson, "This federal investment is a critical step toward making electric vehicles accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of where they live." The intended outcome is not just about cutting emissions but also about ensuring those in underserved communities can partake in the city's clean energy shift.
Currently, Chicago faces challenges with its EV infrastructure, notably a concentration of public charging stations in only a few areas and a high percentage of residents without access to dedicated parking for reliable charging. The Charge Up Chicago project, which pools resources from city departments, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, is set to remedy these imbalances. "We must expand access to charging stations throughout the city, including the South Side, to connect everyone to electric transportation," said Rep. Robin Kelly, emphasizing the sweeping scope of the initiative. With the groundwork laid, city officials are gunning for a future where EVs are within reach for every resident.
Backing up the monetary pledge, Illinois politicians have thrown their weight behind policies supporting the EV market growth, having rallied for legislation like the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
