In Rosemont, Illinois, local officials have responded to a fiery incident from last year with a temporary ban on new electric vehicle charging stations in parking garages. The measure comes after an electric vehicle caught fire at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in January 2024. According to a CBS News Chicago report, it took hours to extinguish the flames, even with the use of a specialized blanket.
Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens cites safety concerns as the impetus behind this moratorium. "Once these EVs catch fire, they're a dickens to deal with," Stephens said, noting the difficulties in managing an EV fire. Meanwhile, critics of the ban, such as electric vehicle expert Christopher Allessi, worry about the potential negative impact on local businesses. Allessi, who runs an EV-focused YouTube channel, was present during the blaze and recounted to CBS News Chicago the bustling nature of charging stations and the economic activity they can encourage in the vicinity.
The prohibition, which the Rosemont Village Board approved, specifically targets proposed charging installations within parking structures. It does not extend to chargers in outdoor lots or residential garages. Interestingly, Illinois' Electric Vehicle Charging Act requires new single-family homes and multifamily residential buildings to include EV-capable parking spaces, as per details from a Daily Herald article. Rosemont's move may be the first of its kind in Illinois, following State Farm's decision to remove chargers from parking decks in downstate Bloomington and the similar action taken by officials in Milford, Connecticut.
Despite the safety concerns underscored by Mayor Stephens, the ban has raised questions among proponents of EV infrastructure. Ryan McKinnon of Charge Ahead Partnership, an advocate for the EV charging industry, emphasized to CBS News Chicago the vested interest that businesses have in ensuring charger safety. "You have a very, very strong financial and personal incentive to make sure that charging station is safe," McKinnon stated, pointing out the desire of businesses to serve EV drivers effectively.
The current landscape in Rosemont leaves the village-owned, 8,500-space Williams Street garage without EV charging capability. However, a few charging stations do exist in a surface lot within the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, according to the Daily Herald. The fate of EV infrastructure in Rosemont's parking garages remains to be seen as the temporary ban unfolds and discussions around the balance between safety and modern amenities continue.
