News Updates

CMAP convenes partners to maximize electric vehicle benefits for northeastern Illinois

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) kicked off today a collaborative planning initiative to make electric vehicles and charging stations more accessible and equitable to use in northeastern Illinois.

CMAP hosted more than 30 individuals from government agencies, community organizations and businesses for a virtual workshop as part of the agency’s ongoing research into developing a sustainable charging network that can meet the needs of all residents now and into the future.

“Collaboration is key to building a transportation system that serves everyone better,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “The federal and state governments are devoting billions of dollars to transform how people can use electric vehicles. If we work together to plan ahead, we can create a charging network that leads to cleaner air and more accessible travel for all communities in northeastern Illinois.”

The new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act creates opportunities for big investments in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure. The law devotes $5 billion in funding to states to establish the infrastructure and includes another $2.5 billion in competitive grants to support local electric vehicle charging development.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., both have highlighted how the new law will support electric vehicle development in Illinois, including $22 million this year alone for the state to help build out the nation’s electric vehicle charging network.

In addition, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has set a target of having one million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030, while President Joe Biden has set a goal that 50% of all new vehicles sales be electric by 2030.

To make the best use of these opportunities, CMAP will host ongoing discussions with public, private, and nonprofit partners to ensure northeastern Illinois’ seven counties have a shared vision for a successful and equitable EV charging network.