In a significant development, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) revealed today that it has successfully secured a $7.1 million federal grant. The funding, awarded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Program, aims to enhance the reliability and accessibility of public electric vehicle chargers across the state.
The initiative aligns with Governor JB Pritzker’s ambitious goal of having 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman emphasized the importance of the investment, stating, “This investment will help to improve the reliability and accessibility of charging stations throughout the state. Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is committed to modernizing transportation and expanding green practices. This award is an important step in that direction.”
The grant will be utilized to repair, replace, or upgrade approximately 93 Level 2 ports and 34 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at various locations throughout the state. The complete list of locations is available on IDOT’s website.
This funding injection for EV charging infrastructure not only addresses immediate needs but also supports Illinois’ broader commitment to a clean energy future. Governor Pritzker’s initiatives include the 2021 signing of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, setting Illinois on a trajectory towards 100% clean energy by 2045. IDOT is actively managing the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, with plans to release the first notice of funding opportunity in early 2024. More details are available on IDOT’s Drive Electric Illinois page.
In a related move, Governor Pritzker recently announced a $14.9 million allocation to the Illinois Finance Authority to facilitate the construction of new charging stations. This falls under the State of Illinois Community Charging Program, aiming to expand the charging network statewide, bridge existing gaps, and provide improved service to disadvantaged communities.
