Illinois Finance Authority's Community EV Charging Program Reaches New Milestone as First Sites Come Online

Illinois Finance Authority's Community EV Charging Program Reaches New Milestone as First Sites Come Online

Springfield and Charleston now benefit from Level 2 and Level 3 DC Fast Charging (DCFC) ports, increasing access to reliable, convenient, and clean transportation options


CHICAGO – The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), in its role as the Illinois Climate Bank, announced today that the first electric vehicle (EV) chargers funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program are officially online in central Illinois. The sites, located in the City of Springfield and the City of Charleston, are the first of many in the area that will feature Level 2 and Level 3 DC Fast Charging (DCFC) ports.


“Seeing the first CFI funded chargers come online demonstrates the value of investing in critical infrastructure,” said IFA’s Interim Executive Director Ximena “Six” Granda. “This achievement brings us one step closer to building a statewide charging network that supports drivers, strengthens local communities, and advances State clean energy goals.”


In 2023, IFA was awarded a $15 million grant by USDOT under President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund publicly accessible EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure through two tracks: Community Grants and Corridor Grants. In partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), IFA is deploying close to 50 DCFC and 400 Level 2 charging ports across the State, over half of which in Equity Investment Eligible or disadvantaged communities.


“These chargers are the result of multiple state agencies doing the hard work alongside local governments to help meet Gov. Pritzker’s vision for a robust charging network across Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We are proud to bring these federal funds to Illinois to support EV infrastructure. Once again, Illinois continues to show how investing in EVs promotes economic opportunity, creates jobs and drives innovation.”


A significant portion of the CFI program’s charging stations are expected to be installed in the coming months, supporting the State’s goal of having one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. By accelerating infrastructure development and prioritizing equitable deployment, the State is laying the groundwork for long-term EV adoption and a more sustainable transportation future. IFA is committed to offering communities across the State greater access to reliable, convenient, and clean transportation options.


The full list of EV charging stations can be found on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Driving a Cleaner Illinois map.


City of Springfield


The City of Springfield energized a total of 32 EV charging ports in the last month, marking the culmination of three years of interagency efforts and serving as the first of many additions to Illinois’ EV charging network. The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) campus was the first of the City of Springfield’s nine CFI-funded sites to come online, with seven additional sites activated in the weeks following its completion. Other activated sites include retail corridors and destinations in Springfield’s downtown, such as the Old State Capitol, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and a public parking complex.


The City of Springfield, which was granted over $629,000 under the CFI program, will install a total of 40 publicly accessible Level 2 ports. These installations will create more connected, accessible, and reliable charging infrastructure throughout the city.


“We’re grateful to the Illinois Finance Authority for helping make the EV charger project in Springfield possible,” said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. “By expanding access to EV charging stations, we’re building infrastructure that supports economic development, attracts visitors, serves residents, and prepares our city for the growth in the transportation needs of the future.”


“As the electric vehicle industry is taking off, so too is the creation of new and more efficient technologies to charge electric vehicles,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “By expanding access to EV chargers, we’re making sustainable transportation options available to residents and visitors alike.”


“This news represents a step forward for both accessibility and sustainability for Springfield communities,” said State Representative Sue Scherer (D-96). “With four new electric vehicle charging ports available right here at UIS, residents can access charging stations closer to home, long-distance visitors can count on Springfield as a trusty stop on cross-county trips, and overall, our students and community at large will breathe cleaner air because of this accomplishment.”


City of Charleston


Shortly after Springfield’s first CFI-funded charging stations came online, the City of Charleston followed suit, installing eight publicly accessible DCFC ports near Lake Charleston and the Carnegie Public Library. The City of Charleston was granted over $882,000 to install 12 ports. Four additional DCFC ports will be activated later this month at the Linder Sports Complex, one of Charleston’s newer facilities.


The improved charging capabilities of DCFC ports will allow drivers to quickly charge their cars, which is especially important for the high-traffic locations selected by the city. As electric vehicle usage continues to grow, these sites will serve as a foundation for connected, consistent, and convenient charging infrastructure in the city.


“The City of Charleston is proud to partner with the Illinois Finance Authority through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grant program to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in our community,” said Charleston Mayor Brandon Combs. “By installing six DC fast chargers at three convenient locations, we’re investing in the future of transportation, supporting residents and visitors, and strengthening Charleston’s position as a forward-looking community. We appreciate the Illinois Finance Authority’s partnership in helping make this important investment possible.”



About the Illinois Finance Authority:

The IFA is a nationally recognized conduit issuer in the tax-exempt financing market and the commercial property assessed clean energy financing market. Pursuant to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act of 2021, IFA is designated as the Climate Bank of the State. Learn more at il-fa.com and illinoisclimatebank.com.


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