Illinois introduces rebate programme for EVs

In the USA, a new rebate programme for EVs opened in Illinois on 1 July. Anyone who buys an electric vehicle (car, truck or van) can apply for a $4,000 rebate from the state. There is also a $1,500 rebate for electric motorcycles but not for electric mopeds.

++ This article has been updated; please continue reading below. ++

Excluded from the rebates are also vehicles such as pure- or plug-in hybrids (HEV and PHEV). The repayments were created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pritzker in autumn 2021.

The Illinois state government has published eligibility guidelines for rebate submissions, which will be open to Illinois residents until the end of September this year.

“With our nation-leading rebate program, it’s never been more affordable for Illinois residents to buy and drive an electric vehicle,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “My administration understands that the clean energy transition is only as effective as it is accessible. From these $4,000 rebates to our workforce development programs to help coal communities move into clean energy jobs, we are laser-focused on making Illinois a leader in addressing climate change and ensuring no community is left behind.”

Update 01 September 2022
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced the next funding round for their EV Rebate Program. It will open on 1 November 2022 and run until 31 January 2023. The EPA said it received hundreds of applications in round 1 and wants to provide planning security by announcing the next charge today.

“Illinois EPA has already received hundreds of EV rebate applications for this first funding round
of the Illinois EV Rebate Program,” said Director Kim. “We are announcing the second funding
cycle to provide more assurance to prospective Illinois purchasers and automobile dealers
in the face of changing market conditions and global supply chain shortages.”

However, the current EV Rebate funding cycle, which opened on 1 July, remains open and will only close on 30 September 2022. Applications for the first funding round must be postmarked on or before 30 September. EV purchasers must apply for a rebate within 90 days of the vehicle purchase date.

chicago.com, illinois.gov, illinois.gov (update Sept ’22)