Pritzker administration announces the opening of electric vehicle rebate program for Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim announced the opening of the Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program.

The program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Pritzker in the fall of 2021.

With the link below, individuals can now access and complete an application for a rebate under Illinois’ EV Rebate Program. Application for the first funding round is being accepted starting July 1 and must be postmarked on or before Sep 30, 2022.

“With our nation-leading rebate program, it’s never been more affordable for Illinois residents to buy and drive an electric vehicle,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “My administration understands that the clean energy transition is only as effective as it is accessible. From these $4,000 rebates to our workforce development programs to help coal communities move into clean energy jobs, we are laser-focused on making Illinois a leader in addressing climate change and ensuring no community is left behind.”

Rebate application cycles will be opened and rebates will be issued to eligible applicants subject to the availability of funds.

According to the statement, Illinois residents that purchase an all-electric passenger vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are eligible to apply for a rebate under Illinois’ EV Rebate Program.

“The Illinois EPA is pleased to offer this new rebate program to Illinois residents, further encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles in Illinois and reducing vehicle emissions and greenhouse gases,” said Director Kim. “Emissions from vehicles continue to be one of the largest sources of air pollution in Illinois, particularly in metropolitan areas.”

The following rebate amounts have been outlined in statute:

Beginning July 1, 2022, a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle.
Beginning July 1, 2026, a $2,000 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle.
Beginning July 1, 2028, a $1,500 rebate for purchasing an all-electric vehicle.

In addition, a $1,500 rebate is available for an electric motorcycle purchase.

As of July 1, 2022, the EV Rebate Fund has a balance of $17,909,043.51. After the application period closes, eligible applicants will issue rebates based on funding availability.

According to the statement, to be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways. Electric mopeds, electric off-highway vehicles, hybrid electric or extended-range electric vehicles that are also equipped with conventional fueled propulsion or auxiliary engines are not eligible under the program.

Eligibility requirements for an EV rebate in Illinois include, but are not limited to:

The purchaser must reside in Illinois at the time of vehicle purchase and when the rebate is issued.
The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Rented or leased vehicles do not qualify for the rebate.
The vehicle cannot have been the subject of a previous EV rebate under this new program in Illinois.
The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.
The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date.
The purchaser must apply for the rebate within 90-days after the vehicle purchase date.
Documentation requirements include a copy of the purchase invoice, proof of purchase, vehicle registration, and IRS W-9 or W-8 forms.

According to the statement, Illinois EPA will prioritize reviewing applications from low-income purchasers and award rebates to purchasers accordingly under CEJA. Low income is defined as persons and families whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the State median income, as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A webpage has been established for Illinois’ EV Rebate Program: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/ceja/Pages/Electric-Vehicle-Rebates.aspx. This includes a link to the rebate application, instructions on completing the application, a Frequently Asked Questions document, and other relevant information.

Individuals interested in receiving updates on Illinois EPA’s EV programs may register for the EV Listserv at: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/ceja/Pages/default.aspx.