The Illinois Department of Transportation will make funding available for the construction of charging stations along the state’s interstates.
The IDOT announced the third official notice of funding opportunity recently. The latest funding opportunity is part of the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program which will provide the state with $65.6 million for charging stations. The previous two funding opportunities awarded funds for 62 charging stations along the interstates to meet Gov. JB Pritzker’s goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the state’s roads by 2030.
“With Gov. Pritzker leading the way, IDOT is continuing its work to create and support safe, reliable options for clean, affordable travel,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said. “This funding will help sustain and improve charging infrastructure that benefits drivers in communities throughout Illinois, providing a welcome boost for local economies.”
Applications for the funding are due by Feb. 13, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Selected locations will have at least four fast-charging ports, each of which can charge an EV in less than 30 minutes. This round of funding, officials said, expands eligibility to projects along all U.S. routes and scenic byways in the state, as well as projects that will support medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles.
IDOT said it will host two webinars – one for light-duty applicants on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.; and one for medium- to heavy-duty applicants on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. – to fully explain the application process and requirements.