NEVI gets real in Illinois as first federally funded EV chargers go online

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) cut the ribbon on the state’s first federally-funded EV charging station this week, after energizing new high-speed chargers at a Phillips 66 Mach 1 station in Casey, IL. The first chargers funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in Illinois were electrified last week at a Mach 1 station on Illinois 49 near Interstate 70 in Casey, IL. The four new DC fast charging ports are operating on the Electrify America network, and are capable of delivering up to 350 kW each. Their deployment was made possible through a $854,641 competitive grant awarded to Phillips 66. “These new chargers are an important step forward in making [Governor JB Pritzker’s] EV goals a reality, while creating economic opportunity by connecting Illinois communities to a national network of stations,” explained Transportation Secretary, Gia Biagi. “Some of the strongest interest we’re seeing for EVs charging is coming from rural areas that see the benefit of having travelers stop in their towns to charge up and spend their dollars at local stores and businesses. We look forward to adding many more throughout the state in the weeks and months ahead.” More money coming Local news coverage by WCIA. The ribbon cutting ceremony also included the announcement of $23.5 million in the latest round of NEVI funding. “Round 3” will help facilitate the construction of 140 new EV charging ports at 29 locations, with at least four DC fast charging ports available at each location to get a typical EV back on the road in under 30 minutes. Through the first three rounds of NEVI funding, IDOT has conditionally awarded more than $67 million for 91 charging stations, with plans to energize a total 489 public EV charging ports by the time the program wraps. You can check out a partial list of the most recent awardees below, and check out the complete list at Drive Electric Illinois. Latest IDOT NEVI awardees County Award Recipient Site Address Champaign $641,600 Universal EV AmericInn by Wyndham Urbana-Champaign University Area 1908 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana Cook $1,152,068 Heartland Charging Services Arlington Heights Memorial Library 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights Cook $1,360,605 Heartland Charging Services Village of Oak Park 130 N. Marion St., Oak Park Kane $1,350,295 Heartland Charging Services City of Aurora 62 N. Broadway, Aurora LaSalle $654,600 Universal EV City of Ottawa 301 W. Madison St., Ottawa Lee $817,222 EVgo Services LLC Infinity Ventures Real Estate Group LLC 1602 S. Galena Ave., Dixon Sangamon $644,418 Universal EV Days Inn by Wyndham Springfield 5970 S. Sixth St., Springfield St. Clair $656,320 Universal EV Subway 224 S. Madison St., Lebanon Will $1,339,515 Heartland Charging Services Commercial Site 19818 La Grange Rd., Mokena SOURCE | IMAGES: IDOT. If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.