Guide to Electric Vehicles in Illinois

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity across the US. While some states are yet to fully embrace them, in the heartland of America, the state of Illinois is fueling a revolutionary change on its highways and byways. The Prairie State is at the forefront of the shift toward a greener future, making substantial
strides in promoting and facilitating EV adoption.

Read on to learn more about the electric car revolution in Illinois.

• How many EVs are there in Illinois
• Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in Illinois?
• EV registration, licensing, and fees in Illinois
• Illinois EV charging network

How Many EVs Are There in Illinois?

Illinois is quickly becoming one of the main hubs for electric vehicles in the US. Thanks to a focused view toward sustainability and clean energy, combined with an extensive charging network, electric car ownership in Illinois is rapidly growing. Here are a few quick facts about EV adoption in Illinois:

• As of December 2022, there were over 57,311 EV registrations in Illinois.
• Illinois boasts the eighth-highest number of EV registrations in the nation.
• Illinois now occupies 2.6% of the nation's EVs.

The introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) program in 2021 has also had a major impact on EV adoption in Illinois, from promoting jobs in clean energy to shifting the focus on electric vehicle ownership.

Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in Illinois?

The vision of a greener future is not the only thing driving the growth of EV ownership in Illinois. The state of Illinois has introduced several rebates and tax refund benefits to drivers to make converting to green even more enticing.

These benefits include:

• Illinois citizens who purchase an EV are eligible for a rebate of up to $4,000 – or $1,500 for an electric motorcycle. Please note that rebates are only active during specific cycles, so make sure to check when the next rebate cycle is.
• EV drivers can benefit from designated parking spots. Electric vehicle owners also get the added benefit of having exclusive access to parking spaces specially reserved for Evs.

There are also state-levelincentives offered to promote the development of EV infrastructure and sales.

These include:

• Tax credits to EV manufacturers under the REV (Reimagining Energy and Vehicles) Illinois Program.
• IEPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) rebates to public or private entities installing EV charging infrastructure.
• Exemptions for battery-operated EVs from vehicle emissions inspections.

Illinois has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Florida and Tennessee, among many other states, by joining the National Electric Highway Coalition, to integrate into a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC chargers) systems across the US.

EV Registration, Licensing, and Fees in Illinois

When considering an EV, it’s always good to look at the whole picture. There may be extra registration fees or licensing considerations to think about. Here’s a summary of a few more technical aspects of EV ownership in Illinois to consider before taking the plunge:

• Title fees for a new EV in Illinois may set you back $165.
• Since 2020, EVs have had a plate registration fee of $251 a year – a significant rise from $17.50 in previous years.
• Illinois has also implemented an additional $100 EV fee, allocated in lieu of the payment of motor fuel taxes.

Insurance is another important consideration. EVs often do not fit into the traditional style of vehicle insurance, making them slightly more expensive to insure. Factors that may affect the price of insurance include battery type, manufacturer and vehicle cost.

Illinois EV Charging Network

Home to major cities like Chicago, Jacksonville and Bloomington, Illinois has a highly developed EV charging network. The network includes Type 1, DC fast chargers, and Tesla Superchargers. Read on for more details on electric car charging stations in Illinois:

• There are over 3,861 EV chargers within the state. The largest proportion of these can be found in Chicago, where you’ll find over 2800. There’s an acceptable number of chargers in almost every small to mid-size city in the area, as well as a solid network on the interstate roads.
• Illinois ranks 25^th for average charging costs for EVs within the United States.
• A full charge for a Tesla Model 3 sedan would cost $0.90 less than the national average.
• A full charge for a Volvo XC40 SUV would cost $1.17 less than the national average.
• A full charge for a Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup would cost $1.90 less than the national average.
• Illinois is also part of the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), allowing drivers to benefit from a highly developed national expressway EV charging framework. This helps to make long-distance EV travel more convenient.

You may decide to install a charging station at your home. Consider the type of charger that you need and apply for a permit (if required). It’s also worth taking the costs into account – for example, a Level 2 charger may set you back between $500 to $2500.

Let’s Go!

So, are you ready to step into the future and explore Illinois from the driver's seat of an electric vehicle? The Prairie State is leading the charge toward sustainable transportation and stands ready to welcome you. From attractive incentives like substantial rebates to a robust and growing charging network, the transition to green driving has never been more exciting in Illinois.

Come join us on this electrifying journey. With Hertz by your side, you'll be guided through every mile, every charging point, and every adventure that awaits you in Illinois.

Rent an electric car with Hertz today or if you’re interested in finding out more about electric vehicles, take a look at some of our other EV resources:

• Are EVs really more eco-friendly?
• How can you manage range anxiety in EVs?
• Top tips on optimal EV driving