electric vehicles Archives | Citizens Utility Board

Good news! The Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate Program is Now Open

Elizabeth — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:21:56 +0000

Are you in the market for a new electric vehicle? You’re in luck– the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency ‘s Electric Vehicle Rebate program is open for rebate applications between now and January 31st. The income-qualified program’s rebate amounts include: A $4,000 rebate to a low-income applicant, as defined in the EV Rebate Act, for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle that is not an electric motorcycle (See Section 2 of the Instructions). A $2,000 rebate to an applicant that is eligible to apply for a rebate but does not meet the low-income criteria for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle that is not an electric motorcycle. A $1,500 rebate to an eligible applicant for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle. Applicants must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 180-days of vehicle purchase using the application forms available on the program webpage. Illinois residents interested in the program should read the eligibility requirements closely and gather all the necessary application materials in order to get the rebate while the funding allows. This year, the Illinois General Assembly has appropriated $14 million for rebates, thanks to the Climate and Equitable Job Act. For more information, read CUB’s Electric Vehicle Buyer’s Handbook and The ABCs of EVs series: CUB’s guides on electric vehicles and transportation electrification.

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The EV Buyer’s Handbook: A summary

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:38:23 +0000

For your convenience, we offer this summary of the EV Buyer’s Handbook. You can order the full guide for free on our guide order form. Introduction An electric vehicle is any car or truck that plugs into an electric socket. It has a battery that stores energy to power an electric motor (or two, three, or four motors) that propels the vehicle. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is an all-electric vehicle. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. A PHEV runs on electricity until the battery runs down and then automatically switches to gas. Note: A car must be able to plug into the electricity grid to be considered an EV. Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, aren’t EVs because they are fueled by gasoline, but have an electric motor making them a more fuel-efficient internal combustion vehicle (ICV). Costs: EV vs ICV While the sticker price of a new EV is higher than a comparable ICV, many EVs are eligible for federal rebates and state purchase incentives that help reduce the costs. Also, EV operating costs are lower than traditional ICV cars. While EVs are typically 10-15% more expensive than comparable gasoline models, maintenance costs are 40% lower for EVs and electricity for charging is less expensive than gas. You may also find that your insurance costs are higher for an EV, because the value of the car and the cost of parts and labor to fix it after a collision are higher. EV Range EV range depends on the storage capacity of the battery and the efficiency of the vehicle, though bigger batteries mean higher costs. It’s a good idea to estimate your maximum daily travel and get a vehicle with at least twice that amount of range. The average car in Illinois travels less than 40 miles a day and the typical all-battery EV (BEV) has a range of at least 100 miles, so an EV covers many needs. EV Rebates and Fees Rebates– Illinois passed the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which provides a state-level rebate of up to $4,000 to help reach a goal of over 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. Plus, there are federal incentive programs. The federal tax credit is $7,500 for most EVs, based on battery capacity. Fees– There is at least one extra cost of owning an EV in Illinois– the state charges a $100 annual EV fee to make up for the fact that you don’t pay any gas taxes into the Road Fund that funds state highways. Charging Your EV All you need to charge an EV is a place to plug it in. For most people that means a home garage or parking space. How long you need to be plugged in depends on the power of the charge and how far you’re going. EVs have three levels of charging speed. Level 1 is a standard 120-volt wall socket. Level 2 is a 240-volt appliance wall socket. Level 3, or Direct Current Fast Charge (DCFC), is a 480-volt outlet socket, which is not currently able to be […]

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Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Opens

Elizabeth — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 20:02:39 +0000

Illinois is offering a rebate of up to $4,000 for approved electric vehicle purchases by Illinois residents. This is thanks to the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that Illinois signed into law last Fall with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and help reach a goal of over 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. Alongside federal EV incentive programs, Illinois’ state incentive program provides a $4,000 rebate applicable to Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) purchases only. The rebate is not available for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which run on electricity and gas. It also does not cover electric mopeds, electric off-highway vehicles, or extended-range electric vehicles that are also equipped with conventional fueled propulsion or auxiliary engines. Important: This rebate is not indefinite. It’s available until Sept. 30, so this summer may be the best time to buy. Qualifications All Illinois residents, regardless of income, are eligible for the rebate. The program will divide applications into two groups by income status with a priority for rebates going to lower-income applicants first. To qualify for the rebate, the vehicle must be all-electric and purchased on or after July 1. This applies to both new and used BEVs, but not leased or rented. There is up to $1,500 rebate available for purchases of all-electric motorcycles. How to Get the Rebate Here are the steps according to the EPA website: Submit an application within 90 days of purchasing your electric vehicle in Illinois (must be purchased in-state). Provide proof of Illinois residence, vehicle ownership, and purchase in Illinois. The buyer must own the vehicle for at least 12 months after the purchase date. Rebate recipients must notify the EPA within 60 days if they don’t meet the year-long ownership requirement. If selected for a rebate, individuals will receive a check from the Illinois Comptroller. The budget allocates $18.5 million for electric vehicle consumer rebates to the program, which is roughly 4,625 rebates at $4,000 each. For more information on the program, visit the Illinois EPA program website. Also, read the CUB EV Buyer’s Handbook for a review of the important questions to ask when considering an EV. Helpful Resources CUB EV Buyer’s Handbook– CUB’s consumer guide is designed to help you decide whether an electric vehicle is the right choice for your needs. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Electricity– A consumer guide to switching away from traditional gas-fueled vehicles, courtesy of the Department of Energy. PlugStar– A shopping assistant from Plug In America for buying your electric vehicle through local EV dealers and retailers. This website has a tool to help estimate your incentives, costs, and environmental impact by location. PlugShare– An interactive trip planner of electric vehicle charging stations worldwide compiled and updated by the world’s largest EV driver community. This website is also available as a free app for your smartphone (iOS and Android).

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It could be a good time to buy an EV! Read our tips, order our EV Buyer’s Handbook

Sophia — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:46:13 +0000

Thanks to Illinois’ Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the state this month launched an unprecedented $4,000 rebate on electric vehicle (EV) purchases—meaning it’s time for a lot of drivers to start thinking about going electric. With gas prices over $5 a gallon this summer, CUB promoted the rebate by releasing an EV Buyer’s Handbook. (Order it here.) Also, get more details on the rebate here. The rebate is available until Sept. 30, so this summer may be the best time to buy. Should you take the plunge? Below are the biggest factors to consider if you’re thinking of ditching your gas-powered car for an EV. Price. On average, a new EV costs around $10,000 more than a traditional car. Remember, though, in addition to being environmentally friendly, electric vehicles also help you save money in the long run. According to a Consumer Reports study, over the first seven years of owning an EV, you can save $4,700 or more by not having to buy gasoline. Depending on the model of car you’re looking to get, the state rebate and federal tax credit could make the purchase of an EV less costly. Keep in mind, however, that the $7,500 tax credit is only available for manufacturers who have sold under 200,000 qualified vehicles. Once a manufacturer hits the 200,000 mark, like Tesla did in 2018, buyers of that manufacturer’s vehicles will not receive the tax credit. For a deep-dive on the federal tax credit, check out this article from Edmunds. Another option is buying a used EV which can be significantly cheaper than a brand new vehicle. Some used EVs can go for as little as $5,000–but as always do your research. Here’s one resource for that. Range. One of the most important factors to consider when debating a switch to an EV is how much driving you tend to do on a daily basis. In fact, “range anxiety” is a top concern many consumers have when it comes to EVs. Most EVs get around 200 miles per charge, which seems more than enough for local driving. So taking note of how many daily miles you tend to put on your gas-powered car will give you a good idea of how far a fully charged EV can take you. If you are concerned about range, you can always consider a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEV. A PHEV runs on electricity until the battery runs down and then automatically switches to gas. Just remember, the big state rebate is not applicable to PHEVs. Lifestyle. Your lifestyle is an important factor to consider as well. Do you tend to carpool? Do you have children? How much space do you need? Many electric vehicles offer additional storage space available under the hood of the car where there would normally be an engine. At the time of this writing, most EVs on the market are four-seaters, though there are some options with more seating available. For example, the Mercedes EQB, Tesla Model X and Volvo XC90 Recharge are seven-seaters for those who need the extra seats. Charging. With an EV, you’ll have to […]

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Bipartisan infrastructure bill would see funds for electric grid, internet, EVs

Hannah — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:38:55 +0000

On Tuesday this week, the Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion bipartisan bill that takes aim at the nation’s failing infrastructure. The plan includes funding for roads and bridges, broadband infrastructure and access, electric vehicle charging stations and research, and aged water systems. “Today the Senate takes a decades overdue step to revitalize America’s infrastructure and give our workers, our businesses, our economy the tools to succeed in the 21st century,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. The largest share of the bill — $110 billion — is set aside for roads and bridges. But it also includes: $73 billion for the electric grid and power infrastructure $55 billion for water systems and infrastructure $65 billion for broadband investments $15 billion for electric vehicles The bill now awaits a vote by the House. If approved, Illinois should receive more than $15 billion for projects, according to the White House and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. These state-specific funds include at least $100 million to expand broadband access and make it more affordable. Illinois would also see $149 million funneled to the expansion of electric vehicle charging networks. “Illinoisans from Chicago to Cairo will see the tangible impacts of this bill and the jobs it will create,” Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said in a statement. The infrastructure bill now heads to the House, but its future is uncertain, as some critics have argued the legislation doesn’t go far enough to combat climate change. Following the senate’s vote on the infrastructure bill, the body voted to begin work on another critical piece of legislation–an ambitious $3.5 trillion budget bill that is a companion to the infrastructure proposal. The budget measure will include bold carbon emission reductions and clean energy development provisions, according to an outline released by Sen. Schumer. Please, urge our representatives in Washington to pass this infrastructure bill and a budget that helps consumers, improves broadband and advances clean energy.

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CUB Analysis: Put low-income communities at heart of state EV policy

Celeste — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:51:05 +0000

With the right electric vehicle (EV) policies, Illinois can deliver cleaner air, low-cost transportation options and lower energy costs for all consumers, particularly in neighborhoods most burdened by pollution, poverty and high power bills, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) argues in a new analysis released Wednesday. At a time when the global pandemic and nationwide protests against racial injustice shine a harsh light on stark inequalities, CUB’s 20-page guide, “EV for All: Electrifying Transportation in Low-Income Communities,” argues for placing low-income neighborhoods at the center of future EV policy. With vehicle pollution now the worst driver of climate change, transportation electrification has significant potential benefits for the planet and consumer pocketbooks—“but not if low-income communities are left in the rear-view mirror,” according to CUB’s guide. Illinois already has a model for strong EV policy in the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), comprehensive energy legislation proposed in Springfield, the guide concludes. “Our message has always been that the right EV policy benefits everyone, even people who don’t drive electric vehicles,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “Up until now, the communities that could most benefit from EVs have too often been denied those benefits. But with creative solutions, Illinois policymakers can use vehicle electrification as a mechanism to reduce energy and transportation costs as well as pollution for low-income neighborhoods. We are advocating for strong clean energy policy—like the Clean Energy Jobs Act—that brings EV benefits to everyone in the state.” CUB’s guide illustrates how underserved Chicago neighborhoods, often near transportation corridors but far from good transit options, suffer from disproportionate exposure to air pollution and have been hit hardest by respiratory ailments, including Coronavirus. Not only could cleaner forms of transportation help make communities healthier, but CUB, a watchdog group that fights for lower energy costs, argues that they also can help reduce the “energy burden” in those areas. For example, CUB’s research team found that policies that encourage EV owners to charge their cars when electricity costs are low (typically in the middle of the night) could help manage power grid costs and spark up to $2.6 billion in cumulative energy savings for all consumers—even those who don’t drive EVs—over the next decade. Without the typical machinery, such as a transmission, EVs are cheaper to maintain, and the cost to travel is usually less than the gasoline equivalent of $1 per gallon. While EV prices may still be too steep for many families, CUB proposes creative solutions to deliver EV benefits to low-income neighborhoods—many ideas that could be tested in pilot programs in those neighborhoods: Income-based rebates for used EVs and home chargers. Income-based swap programs to encourage trading-in internal combustion cars for EVs. Geo-targeted public charge station development (with discounts for local residents). Low-cost “last-mile” transportation options, such as car-sharing, e-scooters and e-bikes. E-transit buses that are targeted for communities in “transit deserts.” (In a test program, two e-buses saved the City of Chicago $54,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs.) The electrification of municipal fleets (police cruisers, garbage trucks, snow plows). Municipal transportation hubs in low-income neighborhoods could also serve as EV charging stations for the […]

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Chicago becomes national leader with EV ordinance that’s good for pocketbook, planet

Jim Chilsen — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 13:36:25 +0000

Chicago has joined a small circle of U.S. cities pioneering policies to prepare for the projected growth in electric vehicles (EVs). On Friday, the City Council passed an ordinance that opens the door to cost-effective expansion of charging equipment in residential and commercial buildings. It’s called the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment-Ready, or EVSE-Ready, Ordinance. The measure vaults Chicago into the national forefront of cities preparing for a significant increase of EVs on American roadways, as more and more consumers move from traditional gas-powered cars to their battery-powered electric counterparts. “As the cost of EVs decline and concerns about the fallout from climate change escalate, analysts have forecasted exponential growth in EVs over the next two decades, and Chicago must be ready,” said 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly, chief sponsor of the measure. “Readiness starts with ensuring our municipal code anticipates the need for charging resources and other assets that will optimize the performance of our transportation network and minimize costs for electricity consumers, as EVs proliferate.” The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been a leading voice advocating for the measure. CUB research has demonstrated that the growth in EVs can unleash benefits for electricity consumers universally – even for those who don’t drive electric cars. Smart policies that encourage vehicle charging when hourly energy rates are cheapest can help manage costs for all consumers across the grid. It’s also cost-effective for the buildings of the future, CUB Executive Director David Kolata said in a news release. He explained that the ordinance will prevent residential and commercial properties from having to endure costly retrofits in a future when EV demand requires charging equipment in every building. “This is a giant step forward for Chicago, and it’s the kind of wise EV policy we need across Illinois,” Kolata said. “This is a perfect example of how clean energy policy reduces consumer costs. As a consumer advocacy group, we like this policy because it’s good for the pocketbook and the planet. We thank Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City Council for having the foresight to pass this pro-consumer measure.” The ordinance updates Chicago’s municipal code to increase the number of private parking spaces equipped with EV-charging capacity. It would: Require a broader range of multi-unit residential and commercial properties to reserve on-site parking spaces for EVs. Boost the percentage of parking spaces that applicable property owners must designate for EVs. Change current standards in the code so that EV-designated parking spaces are no longer just “capable’ of providing charging capacity, but are, in fact, outfitted with plug-in equipment. Under previous city requirements, all new residential construction consisting of at least 24 units was obligated to reserve no fewer than two parking spaces for EVs. The new ordinance would change those thresholds to require new residential construction consisting of at least five units to reserve no less than 20 percent of parking spaces for EVs. Similarly, commercial properties with 50 or more on-site parking spaces were required to designate at least two slots for EVs. Under the new ordinance, commercial properties with at least 30 on-site parking spaces would have to allocate at least […]

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CUB study finds big savings for EV drivers with special Ameren pricing plan

Jim Chilsen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 21:52:22 +0000

A new study by CUB found that electric vehicle drivers in Central and Southern Illinois could potentially save hundreds of dollars a year in charging costs if they participate in an Ameren Illinois program called Power Smart Pricing. “Charge for Less: An Analysis of Electricity Pricing for Electric Vehicles in Ameren Territory” was released on Monday. It was written by CUB Data Scientist Ramandeep Makhija, Research Director Jeff Zethmayr and Executive Director David Kolata. The study found that Ameren’s Power Smart Pricing program, a special electricity plan available to residential customers, could have helped electric vehicle (EV) drivers reduce the annual cost for charging their vehicles by 50 percent to 51 percent, compared with what they would have paid under Ameren’s traditional electric prices. The potential savings ranged from $31 to $220 over the year studied, 2018. Unlike Ameren’s standard power price, which changes infrequently, Power Smart Pricing charges a market-based price that can change hourly. Those prices often plummet during “off-peak” times (typically nights and weekends) when electricity demand is low, giving customers the chance to save money on their electric bills. By encouraging drivers to charge their cars when electricity demand is low, Power Smart Pricing not only saves participants money, but it also puts less stress on the power grid, improving reliability and reducing pollution. “Power Smart Pricing is a great choice for a lot of Ameren customers—because the program is good for the planet and our pocketbooks—but it is especially beneficial for EV drivers,” said CUB Executive Director David Kolata, an EV driver himself. “Illinois urgently needs to develop smart charging policies that promote programs like Power Smart Pricing to prevent our costs from going up as more and more EVs hit Illinois roadways.” The Edison Electric Institute predicts that EV sales will rise sharply over the next decade, leading to nearly 19 million in the U.S. by 2030, up from about 1.5 million now. If not properly managed, this influx could significantly increase overall U.S. peak electricity demand and force everyone to pay higher power bills to cover a costly expansion of power plants and the grid. But this is preventable with good policies. In fact, CUB studies show that optimization—charging EVs at the right times—would lower electricity rates for all consumers. CUB’s report comes as EVs are generating news in Central and Southern Illinois. In Normal, Rivian is giving new life to a shuttered Mitsubishi factory, transforming it into an EV manufacturing plant that will employ as many as 1,000 workers. Meanwhile, in Springfield, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has called for clean energy legislation that “accelerates electrification of our transportation sector.” CUB is currently advocating for the General Assembly to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), the most consumer-friendly energy bill in Springfield. It includes a “beneficial electrification” provision that would encourage people to charge their EVs at off-peak times, using programs like Power Smart Pricing. Power Smart Pricing is open to all Ameren customers, not just those with EVs. Participants save money by adjusting the time of day when they perform major tasks like operating the dishwasher, doing laundry, or charging an EV. […]

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Urgent: Outrageous fee increase

Jennifer — Mon, 13 May 2019 15:25:03 +0000

You’ve shown an interest in the fight for clean, low-cost energy, so today we’re asking you to take action against a terrible proposal in Springfield that would punish electric vehicle (EV) drivers with an outrageous fee increase. We’ve just been made aware of a legislative proposal that would jack up the annual registration fee for EV drivers from $17.50….to $1,000! “The proposed fee increase is way too high,” CUB told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s punitive, it’s unfair and it goes against Illinois’ transportation trends and needs.” Here’s why this proposal is a bad deal for everyone: CUB just published a paper that showed how smart EV charging policies could transform electric vehicles into a tool to manage the power grid and reduce electricity costs by billions for ALL consumers—even those who don’t drive an EV. So we should be encouraging people to buy EVs, not scaring them away with ridiculous fees. This proposal is being considered right now in the General Assembly, so please don’t wait to urge your legislators to oppose it!

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