Illinois is set to have 643 new EV charging ports after the state announced it plans to spend $25.1 million on its Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The plans were announced by the state's Environmental Protection Agency director, John J. Kim.
The subsidies will reportedly finance the installation of 643 additional Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 141 locations around the state as part of the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. Requests were made in 2023 by applicants.
The awards, authorized by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are funded by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
According to an Illinois EPA award in 2023, $12.6 million in Volkswagen Settlement funds will fund more than 300 new EV fast charging stations.
(Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) An electric vehicle is charged in Rosemead, California, on April 12, 2023. - US President Joe Biden's administration unveiled new proposed auto emissions rules, aiming to accelerate the electric vehicle transition with a target of two-thirds of the new US car market by 2032.
These grants support DCFC charging stations in state-wide locations that are open to the public. Projects located in Equity Investment Eligible Communities get extra funds. $920,000 was given to Rivian Automotive for charging at Springfield retail and shopping locations. The Road Ranger at petrol stations received additional capital city prizes.
Universal EV will receive money for hotel and retail properties, including those in Decatur and Lincoln. Pilot Travel Centers was granted funds for Decatur and surrounding communities.
Adams Electric Cooperative will use the grants to install charging stations at a motel and community college.
This latest action demonstrates that the nation is still moving slowly toward full EV adoption. The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled new legislation that, while still adhering to the same tight rules set by the agency, relaxes the tailpipe limitations that were recommended last year.
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EV Adoption Legislation
In response to objections from the car industry and auto workers in Michigan, a political battleground state, the amended regulations lowered the target for the country's adoption of electric vehicles from 67% by 2032 to as low as 35%.
Rather, the EPA established a "technology neutral" regulatory framework that allows automakers much greater flexibility in using gas-electric hybrids to comply with pollution standards.
Environmentalists have criticized this strategy as a band-aid solution that will delay the switch to electric automobiles. The organization also implemented "advanced gasoline" technology to save fuel, such as turbocharging, lighter vehicles, and stop-start ignition systems.
The rules are in place because sales of electric vehicles, which are subject to them, have begun to decrease. The automobile industry, citing slower sales growth, objected to the EPA's proposed standards, which were announced in April last year as part of an ambitious plan to reduce planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles.
United Kingdom's EV Charging Plans
On a related note, in February of last year, the United Kingdom revealed its most recent plans to speed up the installation of thousands of electric vehicle charging stations.
The new plans' main feature is grants covering up to 75% of the expenses for state-funded schools, nurseries, and academies.
Additionally, several local government entities expect to receive over £14.2 million in financing for EV charging stations.
State-sponsored schools, universities, nurseries, and academies can apply for money sponsored by the Department of Transportation to enhance the charge station amenities for staff and visitors.
This is part of the scheme for workplace charging. Schools may be able to make money if they let the public use their charging stations.
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