January 3, 2025
Illinois Electric Vehicle Tax Credits, Rebates, and Incentives
5 Min. Read
Are you thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) in Illinois? With generous state incentives and three of the four major public utilities offering time-of-use rates for Illinois EV charging, Illinois makes it easier—and more affordable—than ever to go electric.
In this article, we will explore different ways you can save on an electric vehicle and EV charging in the state.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency EV Rebate
In addition to federal savings and rebates, Illinois residents can also take advantage of a rebate of up to $4,000 when purchasing a new or used EV. If you’re considering buying an electric motorcycle, the Illinois EPA also offers a $1,500 rebate.
While there is no income limit on eligibility for these rebates, qualified applications from low-income purchasers are prioritized and rebates to qualified purchasers are awarded accordingly by the Illinois EPA, as per the law.
Additionally, the rebate applies to new or used EVs that haven’t already been claimed for rebates through the program. Although the program has currently exhausted its funding, the next rebate cycle is expected to begin in January 2025.
The good news is that you won’t have to wait until January to purchase your EV. Buyers have up to 90 days from the purchase date to apply for this rebate, ensuring you can take advantage of the program when funding resumes.
Illinois EV Charger Rebates
For EV drivers, investing in an at-home EV charger is the most affordable and convenient way to ensure your vehicle is always charged and ready to go. Having the ability to charge at home is a long-term investment that can help EV drivers save thousands, but the upfront cost of safely and professionally installing a Level 2 EV charging station can create hesitancies for many looking to save money by switching to an EV.
Thankfully, there are federal and local incentives to help drivers adopt convenient at-home charging!
Commonwealth Edison Co.
Commonwealth Edison Co. offers an income-based rebate to make owning an at-home Level 2 EV charger even more affordable.
If you qualify for a public assistance program, you may qualify for the full rebate and save up to $3,750 on a charger. Even if you don’t meet the income requirement, you can still claim a smaller EV charger rebate. It is important to note that eligibility requires installing a connected EV charger.
Illinois EV Charging Rates
In addition to rebates on buying and installing an EV charger, you can also save on Illinois EV charging costs at home thanks to utility programs and discounts.
Three of the state’s four public utilities offer discounted rates, helping to lower electricity bills. Plus, with Illinois’ deregulated energy market, you have the option to shop around and compare the rates offered by different energy suppliers to find the best deal for your needs.
MidAmerican Energy Co.
As a residential customer of MidAmerican Energy Co., you can enroll in the utility’s time-of-use plan and save by charging your EV at night.
The program uses a schedule with on-peak hours from 1 pm to 6 pm, off-peak hours from 10 pm to 8 am, and shoulder hours the rest of the time.
In the summer, your off-peak rate will be just $0.02 per kWh, during shoulder hours you’ll pay only $0.04 per kWh, and you’ll pay $0.13 per kWh during on-peak hours. In the winter, you’ll get a fixed rate of $0.02 per kWh around the clock.
Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois offers its customers a ChargeSmart program, which rewards bill credits for charging during the utility’s preferred charging hours, from 11 pm to 7 am. Earn $0.02 per kWh in the summer and $0.01 per kWh in the winter, plus, an additional an additional monthly bill credit of $15 for the first year in the program.
However, charging during the utility’s non-preferred hours, between 11 am to 7 pm, incurs an extra charge of $0.46 per kWh. This program encourages smarter charging habits while helping you save on your energy bills.
Commonwealth Edison Co
Commonwealth Edison Co. also offers an hourly pricing program that can help you save on charging. With this program, your electrical rate varies from one hour to the next based on current demand.
You can save an estimated 15% on your electricity bill by charging your vehicle at night when the dynamic rate is typically lower.
Public EV Charging Stations in Illinois
Thanks to the federal NEVI program, Illinois is issuing a total of $25.3 million in grants for the development of a statewide EV charging network along interstate routes.
How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Illinois?
There are currently over 1,300 Illinois EV charging station locations with over 3,600 charging ports. As an EV owner in Illinois, you’ll have access to more than 1,100 Level 2 EV charging locations with more than 2,500 ports and over 250 DC Fast charging locations with more than 1,100 Level 3 charging ports.
There are also over 60 Tesla Supercharger locations across the state with over 700 charging ports.
How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in Illinois?
Illinois EV charging costs vary from one location to another. For instance, the public charging stations installed in Oak Park, IL, cost $0.25 per kWh, while at Southern Illinois University, rates are $2 per hour for the first four hours of charging and increase to $5 per hour of charging beyond the first four hours.
Are There Free Electric Car Charging Stations in Illinois?
Yes, you can find free public EV charging stations throughout Illinois. In fact, the state is in the process of rolling out free EV charging at all of its state parks.
Where Are Public EV Charging Stations in Illinois?
You’ll tend to find more EV charging stations in Chicago and other urban areas, but you can find public charging all throughout the state. ComEd is partnering with Millennium Garages to install EV chargers at the company’s downtown parking hub, as one of the many exciting projects transforming Chicago into an EV-friendly city.
You can also check this map to get a better idea of where EV charging stations are located in your zip code.
Save on Electrification with Qmerit
With the electrification savings available from the Illinois EPA EV rebates and several programs from utilities, alongside the rapidly growing rate of EV adoption, there’s never been a better time to make the switch and drive electric.
The cost savings created by adopting clean, sustainable energy are just the start of the benefits you’ll see, and by partnering with a qualified electrician who can tailor an EV charger installation to your specific needs, you can maximize these benefits even more.
As North America’s most trusted and largest network of certified EV charger installers, Qmerit is recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, our expert network has installed over 450,000 EV charging stations across the U.S. and Canada.
Discover how Qmerit is paving the way forward for residential EV charger installation and whole-home electrification solutions. Contact us today to find out how easy home electrification can be!
