Drive Electric Chicago

Drive Electric Chicago

Welcome! 

This page includes resources, quick reference guides, and information to help residents and businesses learn about electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations, make informed decisions, and navigate the EV charger permitting and installation process

What are Electric Vehicles?

EVs are motor vehicles that are powered either entirely (battery electric vehicles) or partially (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) by rechargeable batteries. These batteries are recharged when connected to the electric grid, meaning you can potentially charge your car from the comfort of your own home. Depending on the charging station, a full charge can take anywhere from only 30 minutes to 18 hours. When fully charged, a PEV is more than capable of completing the average daily commute.

How Do EVs Work?

Commitment to EV Readiness

The City of Chicago is actively preparing for the increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations by participating in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' EV Readiness Program, which aims to reduce barriers to EV infrastructure investment and make it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. 

The City is committed to promoting EV readiness and making it easier to expand a robust regional network of charging infrastructure.

Chicago’s Electric Vehicle and E-Mobility Framework

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is developing a framework plan to equitably advance Electric Vehicle (EV) and e-mobility infrastructure improvements in Chicago. This framework will serve as a roadmap for CDOT to evaluate, plan, and identify opportunities to create greater accessibility to EVs and e-mobility, streamline the regulatory and design process for public charging infrastructure deployment, and pilot curbside charging. 

Learn more about the Framework and current on the Chicago Moves Electric webpage.

Benefits of EVs

EVs offer several advantages over conventional vehicles: 

  • Energy Efficiency. EVs are highly energy efficient, converting over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. In comparison, conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%-30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
  • Lower Emissions. In Cook County, on-road transportation accounts for 58% of total greenhouse gas emissions. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner option compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable energy. This contributes to reducing overall emissions and improving air quality.
  • Improved Air Quality. With lower emissions, EVs help improve local air quality by reducing pollution levels and harmful particulate matter.
  • Performance Benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration compared to internal combustion engines, resulting in a more enjoyable driving experience.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, tune-ups, or cooling system flushes like traditional vehicles. This leads to reduced maintenance costs and fewer visits to the mechanic.
  • Reduced Energy Dependence. By relying on electricity as a domestic energy source, EVs reduce dependence on imported oil, increasing energy security and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Finding Public Charging

Publicly available charging stations can be located by using the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

New EV charging station owners and hosts should consider submitting their public charging station's information to the AFDC's database by following these steps: 

  1. Visit the AFDC Station Locator.
  2. Ensure the station is not already uploaded to the map.
  3. Collect all necessary information, including the station's address, phone number, hours of operation, accepted payment, accessibility details, and any other relevant information.
  4. Submit information using the submit new station feature.
  5. Keep an eye on the AFDC Station Locator for any updates or changes regarding the station.

To ensure respect for property owners’ rights and avoid any potential legal or safety issues, using public electrical outlets for charging an electric vehicle without permission from the property owner is not recommended.

Consumer Resources

Use these helpful resources to learn more about EVs and if switching to electric is right for you: 

  • ComEd Find Vehicles & Chargers – This site and the next webpage are part of ComEd’s EVSmart webpage.
  • ComEd Savings, Benefits & Incentives – ComEd's Savings, Benefits & Incentives page provides information on various programs and incentives aimed at helping customers save money on their energy bills and promote energy efficiency.
  • Used EVs can be a more affordable option than purchasing new. Consumers can search for used EVs at local dealerships, online, and specialty dealerships that only sell used EVs.
  • Electric Vehicles for Consumers – Information from the U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center.

EV charging installations at multifamily dwellings may have additional considerations. For multifamily building owners, managers, or tenants, the City has developed a helpful guide:

How to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Multi-Unit Dwellings 

The City also has quick reference guides specifically for building managers and residents.

The number of electric truck models available and announced by truck manufacturers is rapidly growing. As the total cost of ownership and business case for electric trucks moves in a positive direction, applications with predictable routes such as local and regional distribution are a perfect fit for electric trucks. 

To support this expected growth the City has prepared the Chicago Commercial Electric Vehicle Readiness Guidelines outlining how developers and fleet operators will need to adapt and plan for the build out of charging infrastructure needed for electric trucks.

There can be long-term cost savings associated with EVs, considering factors such as fuel savings, lower maintenance costs, and potential incentives. Incentives may be available from a variety of entities including the federal government, State of Illinois, and your local utility. Below is a snapshot of what might be available to you. Visit the Alternative Fuel and Data Center’s Incentive Page for more complete information. If you have questions, please contact the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation. 

The City of Chicago is committed to providing information and resources for residents and businesses who wish to install EV charging stations.

  • Building Permit Application Instructions
    • On these pages, you will find instructions to help you obtain the right type of permit(s) for your project in Chicago.
  • Building Permit Application
    • Check the status of a building permit application online.
  • Calculate the Cost of a Building Permit
    • The online calculator estimates the cost of a building permit based on provisions of the Chicago Building Code. The factors necessary to use this calculator are construction type, occupancy type, area in square feet, and project scope.
  • City of Chicago : Requirements for Electric Vehicle Readiness
    • The minimum quantity and configuration of EVSE-ready and EVSE-installed parking spaces is verified as part of the zoning review of a building permit application.
  • Express Permit Program
    • The Express Permit Program provides a fully web-enabled platform for customers to apply, check status, pay fees, and view inspection status for building permits for most types of building repair work, some small improvement projects, and administrative changes to issued building permits.
  • Self-Certification Permit Program
    • The Self-Certification Permit Program simplifies the building permit process for eligible residential, business, mercantile, and assembly projects where the architect of record takes full responsibility for code compliance.
  • Certified EV Charging Station Installers
    • Searchable list of Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) certified EVCS Installers and registered contractors.
  • Parking Regulations at EV Charging Stations
    • At designated electric vehicle charging station spaces, only electric vehicles are permitted to park. Unauthorized use of these spaces by non-electric vehicles, whether on public or private properties, is strictly prohibited. Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)
  • Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation
    • The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT) is a US Dept. of Energy designated Clean Cities and Communities coalition focused on promoting clean transportation solutions in the state of Illinois and a point of contact for all questions relating to electric vehicles in Chicago.
  • Alternative Fuels Data Center: Publications
    • Find publications about alternative transportation, including alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and regulated fleets.
  • Drive Electric - U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
    • Resources and expertise between the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation on several key areas, including the deployment of a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses.
  • Drive Electric Illinois
    • Serves as a platform for individuals and the electric vehicle (EV) industry to engage with IDOT's plans and implementation of state and federal programs related to electric vehicles
  • Electricity | Alternative Fuels Data Center
    • Provides information and resources related to using electricity as a fuel source for vehicles.
  • Green Vehicle Guide - U.S. EPA
    • Helps users search for the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles to meet their needs
  • PEV Handbook for Consumers
    • This handbook is designed to answer basic questions consumers may have about plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and help them make informed decisions about whether an electric-drive vehicle is right for them.