Illinois Secures $18.4M to Expand EV Charging Network

Illinois has announced an allocation of $18.4 million in federal grants to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This funding was restored after being unlawfully frozen under the previous administration. The grants are part of the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which aims to support Illinois’s ambitious goal of registering 1 million EVs by 2030.

Governor JB Pritzker, along with Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), announced the funding on Wednesday. The investment will facilitate the construction of 25 new fast charging stations along interstate corridors, each equipped with at least four DC fast charging ports. These ports can recharge an electric vehicle from empty to full in under 30 minutes. The initiative will ultimately add 167 new charging ports throughout the state.

Illinois is set to receive a total of $148 million in NEVI funds as part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In the first round of funding last year, $25.3 million was awarded to 37 charging station projects. With this latest round, IDOT has distributed a total of $43.8 million across 62 projects, resulting in 349 charging ports.

Governor Pritzker expressed gratitude for the restoration of funds, stating, “I’m thankful for the quick action of our attorney general in the fight to restore these funds that President Trump was unlawfully withholding. With these resources rightfully coming back to Illinois, I look forward to taking another step forward in our continued efforts to expand EV infrastructure and boost local economies across Illinois.”

In May, Attorney General Raoul, alongside 16 other state attorneys general, initiated legal action against the Federal Highway Administration for withholding the allocated funds. A court ruling in June mandated the release of funding designated for Illinois and 13 other states. Raoul commented, “I am pleased that our coalition’s work has resulted in this money finally reaching Illinois, which ultimately boosts our state’s economy.”

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director James Jennings highlighted that these NEVI-funded stations will complement the existing network of over 450 charging stations already supported by the state. He noted that state agencies are collaborating to provide EV drivers with multiple charging options across various locations, ensuring convenient travel throughout Illinois.

The selection of the 25 projects was conducted through a competitive process last fall. IDOT has indicated that the next round of NEVI funding applications will open in late 2025. As the state continues to invest in its EV infrastructure, these developments mark a significant step towards a greener future and the promotion of electric vehicle use.