SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — On World EV Day, Governor JB Pritzker says soon there will be more charging stations for electric vehicles near interstate corridors soon.
Governor JB Pritzker announces with the Illinois Department of Transportation $25.3 million in grant funding will be used to build charging stations along the interstate.
“Today, I am proud to take another step toward making Illinois a national leader in clean energy,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Thanks to the NEVI program, we’re able to build an integrated network of charging stations that will help ensure we meet our goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. As Illinois leads the electric vehicle revolution, we’re fulfilling our commitment to cleaner, greener energy and travel in every corner of the state.”
The charging stations will be paid for by IDOT using federal funds through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. The goal through the NEVI program is to provide access to charging stations every 50 miles alongside the interstate.
“We’re proud of our work to make Gov. Pritzker’s electric vehicle goals a reality. This round of funding will bring new life to those efforts in communities large and small, further positioning Illinois as a leader in the growth of electric vehicles,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is committed to providing the public with safe, reliable options on how they wish to travel. Building EV infrastructure also creates new economic opportunities throughout the state.”
Officials say 37 projects were chosen in the first round of NEVI funding. This will construct 182 new charging ports. They say these ports can fuly charge a typical EV from empty in less than 30 minutes.
Macon County is receiving a little over a million for a Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc., in Decatur.
An entire list can be found by clicking here.
“As we electrify transportation across the country, we must strive to build smarter, faster charging infrastructure in Illinois. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combatting the climate crisis is unwavering, and this initiative stands as a testament to that dedication,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). “This federal funding will propel the decarbonization of our transportation sector while engaging Illinoisans in the process and expanding our workforce.”
The next round of funding is expected to happen later this year.
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