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 Illinois legislators aim to put 1 million electric vehicles on
the road by 2030 as part of the state’s newly adopted clean energy policy.
The Climate and Equitable Jobs act passed Sept. 15 will expand thousands of
dollars in new electric vehicle tax credits to Illinoisans as Gov. J.B Pritzker
positions Illinois to be a national hub for electric car manufacturers.
Illinois’ new climate legislation makes available a $4,000 rebate per resident
as a way to incentivize them to purchase electric vehicles starting July 1,
2022.
Currently, the federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit when purchasing
qualifying electric vehicles, which could grow to $12,500 if the federal
government passes the $3.5 trillion social spending package.
Despite the significant subsidies, experts say residents remain hesitant to buy
electric vehicles due to concerns over the cars’ charging speeds and battery
“range anxiety.”
While new electric vehicles can travel from 150 to 345 miles on a single charge,
many communities in the state are considered “charging deserts” with limited
access to stations.
High-speed direct current station chargers can refill about 100 miles of battery
power in 15 minutes. Alternatively, home charging devices will typically refill
the battery within several hours.
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As companies continue to invest billions to improve
electric vehicle charging technology speed and install new public
charging stations, Pritzker is working to position Illinois at the
forefront of the electric vehicle industry.
“Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts us on track to be the
best state in the nation to manufacture and drive an electric
vehicle,” Pritzker said in a recent statement.
The governor’s office is working closely with the Illinois
Manufacturers Association on a package of incentives to attract more
auto producers and electric battery manufactures to Illinois.
To sweeten the deal, lawmakers are considering new legislation that
would give tax credits to companies producing electric vehicles and
batteries in the state.
Pritzker joined governors from Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and
Minnesota in signing the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest agreement
in late September.
The agreement establishes a five-state coalition aimed at
strengthening electric vehicle production and improving charging
infrastructure across the Midwest region.
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