Chicago receives $15.5 million federal grant to purchase new electric vehicles, charging stations

© Shutterstock

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced that the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) approved a federal grant worth $15.5 million to install new electric vehicle charging stations and purchase almost 200 electric vehicles (EVs) for city use.

The grant, which was funded through the Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, will specifically be used to purchase six electric buses that will provide service to both Chicago-area airports, 182 electric vehicles that will be added to the city’s vehicle fleet, nine DC-fast charging stations, and 182 Level-2 charging stations.

According to the Mayor’s Office, the grant puts Chicago on track to attain its goal of a passenger fleet made up of 25 percent EVs by 2023.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will now install, operate and maintain 80 Level 2 charging stations and 20 DC-Fast charging stations at both of the city’s airports. CDA will also operate a fleet of six electric shuttle buses to serve airport parking facilities, replacing its former diesel-powered bus service.

“The City of Chicago is committed to leading by example toward a more sustainable future by increasing the size of our electric vehicle fleet and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases,” Emanuel said. “Chicago is rejecting the Trump Administration’s denial of settled science and redoubling our commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.”