Illinois continues to offer one of the most substantial state-level rebates for EVs, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
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Current Rebate Cycle: The rebate application cycle is open from October 28, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
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Rebate Amounts:
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$4,000 rebate for the purchase of a new or used all-electric vehicle for low-income qualified applicants (income not exceeding 80% of the county median income).
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$2,000 rebate for all other eligible applicants toward the purchase of a new or used all-electric vehicle.
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$1,500 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle.
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Future Changes (HB2380): Proposed legislation suggests the base rebate amount may officially reset to $2,000 starting July 1, 2026, with the $2,000 low-income bonus still available, making the incentive more focused on income-eligible buyers.
2. Charging Infrastructure Expansion
Illinois is prioritizing the build-out of a comprehensive charging network, guided by the goal of having 1 million EVs on the road by 2030.
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Public Charging: As of late 2025, Illinois has over 1,600 public EV charging stations, including a growing number of DC fast charging stations. The state is actively working to ensure a foundational public charging network is in place, specifically targeting a goal of 2,000 fast-charging ports at 498 locations by 2026 along interstate corridors to address range anxiety.
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Utility Rebates (ComEd & Ameren): Utility companies offer substantial rebates for home charging equipment and installation, often ranging from $1,000 to over $3,750, with the highest amounts reserved for low-income and equity-eligible customers.
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Managed Charging Programs: Utilities like Ameren (ChargeSmart) and ComEd offer special hourly or time-of-use pricing and incentives to encourage customers to charge during off-peak hours (typically late night/early morning), which benefits the electric grid and saves the customer money.
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Urban Hubs: Projects like the plan for up to 300 EV chargers in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Garages by 2026 highlight the focus on densifying charging access in high-traffic urban areas.
3. Financial and Regulatory Environment
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EV Registration Fee: EV owners pay an additional $100 annual flat fee in lieu of motor fuel taxes, with the revenue deposited into the Road Fund for maintenance.
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Manufacturing Investment: Illinois remains a major hub for EV production, notably with Rivian manufacturing in Normal and significant investments by companies like Lion Electric (in Joliet) and other battery and component manufacturers, driven by the state’s Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV) Act.
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Federal Tax Credits: It is important to note that the Federal Tax Credit for New & Used Electric Vehicles is subject to change, with some prior versions ending in late 2025. Buyers must now rely on the current federal guidelines (which require final assembly in North America and strict battery material sourcing) and Illinois’ state and utility incentives.
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