SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois took another huge step towards a carbon-fee economy Friday by launching an electric vehicle charger factory in Libertyville. Gov. JB Pritzker joined leaders from EVBox to celebrate the company's first DC fast charger made in the United States.

EVBox is developing electric vehicle chargers that can boost power output as needed and reduce wait times for drivers. Pritzker said he is charged up for this product to be made in Illinois.

"This is like nirvana for somebody like me just to see it get started, get rolling and see EV Box succeeding," Pritzker said. "I can't tell you how excited and impressed I am."

The governor and state lawmakers have been able to show EV companies around the world that Illinois is committed to 1 million electric vehicles on the road by providing tax incentives for businesses to expand or start in the state.

"We have in Illinois unmatched infrastructure, world class workforce, competitive incentives and a commitment to the clean energy economy," Pritzker said. "The results are showing."

Multiple EV companies have announced deals with Illinois this year, which has also led to a 44% increase in electric vehicles across the state over the past 10 months.

"The electrification of transportation will reduce the carbon footprint and will lead to cleaner air, improved health and a more, in general, sustainable future," said EVBox CEO Remco Samules. "Through public-private partnerships like the one we have with Illinois, we are setting the state for this transition." 

EVBox leaders said employees at their North American headquarters in Libertyville are already busy building charging stations capable of powering up two electric vehicles at the same time.

"If we are going to see this opportunity through and make the best of it, and make a better nation for it, we need companies like EVBox that decided to come here and bet on America," said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). "It's a bet that's going to pay off for all of us."

Durbin hopes EVBox will provide great paying jobs and the technology that can serve Illinoisans long into the future.

Governor JB Pritzker

Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference at the EVBox North American headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois on October 27, 2023.

Illinois has already invested over $12 million for 250 fast charging ports across the state. EVBox plans to deliver their first chargers from the Illinois factory early next year. 

"The climate shift is not a challenge that we can afford to ignore," Samules said. "It's a call to action, a call for change and collaboration. As we work together, we can build a future that is not only sustainable but also thriving for generations to come."

EVBox has delivered over 500,000 charging ports to business partners and customers around the world.

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