CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), Danny Davis (D-IL-1), Robin Kelley (D-IL-2), Sean Casten (D-IL-6), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-4), and Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3) today announced $15,000,000 in federal funding coming to Chicago through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for Charge Up Chicago! Chicago Community Resources and Charging Infrastructure Implementation (CUC) project.    

This grant, awarded through the Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program, will fund a comprehensive strategy to expand EV charging stations in Chicago, with an emphasis on equitable distribution, community engagement and electric-mobility education, and workforce development. 

“As we electrify transportation across the country, we must strive to build smarter, faster charging infrastructure in Illinois. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combatting the climate crisis is unwavering, and this initiative stands as a testament to that dedication,” said Senate Majority Whip Durbin. “This funding will propel the decarbonization of our transportation sector while engaging Chicagoans in the process and expanding our workforce.”    

“Expanding access to reliable charging stations for electric vehicles helps lower fuel costs and reduce emissions across our state,” Senator Duckworth said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside Senator Durbin as we keep working to establish Illinois as a leader in electric vehicles and make EV use more accessible for all Illinoisans.” 

“This federal investment is a critical step toward making electric vehicles accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of where they live,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “These funds will not only further our Climate Action Plan but also ensure that our communities—especially those underserved—have the infrastructure needed to participate in the clean energy transition. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and our Illinois Congressional Delegation for their unwavering support in helping us build a more sustainable and equitable Chicago.”   

Durbin and Duckworth have continuously supported federal investment in electric vehicle technology, having fought to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes more than $7 billion for battery manufacturing and research and $7.5 billion to build a network of EV charging stations. Earlier this year, Durbin and Duckworth announced nearly $6 million for EV charging resiliency through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s Ride and Drive Electric Program for UL Solutions North America to expand its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Laboratory to increase commercial capacity for the testing and certification of high-power EV chargers.        

“As the overjoyed owner of a Chevy Bolt, I know the critical role that electric vehicles (EVs) play in the fight against climate change. The Department of Transportation’s $15 million investment to expand EV charging access and promote transportation decarbonization in Chicago will improve air quality not only in our community, but across the nation,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “Transportation is the single largest source of carbon emissions in the United States, and ensuring equitable and widespread access to EV chargers is a key step in electrifying this sector. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and across Illinois to expand access to clean transportation.”  

"This $15 million in federal funding marks a significant step forward in ensuring that all communities, especially those historically underserved, have access to the benefits of clean and sustainable transportation,” said Rep. Davis. “By expanding EV charging infrastructure in Chicago, we are not only promoting environmental justice but also creating new opportunities for workforce development and economic growth. I am proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our shared vision for a greener and more equitable future for all Chicagoans.” 

“These electric vehicle charging stations will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions,” said Rep. Kelly. “We must expand access to charging stations throughout the city, including the South Side, to connect everyone to electric transportation. Electric transportation and charging stations will help combat the climate crisis, lower transportation costs for hardworking Americans, and expand the workforce.” 

“Electric vehicles not only reduce costs for Illinois drivers but also significantly cut the pollution that contributes to climate change,” said Rep. Casten. “I’m excited to see federal funding come to Illinois to enhance our electric vehicle charging infrastructure and support the clean energy transition.”    

“The need to reduce carbon emissions is a matter of public health. These funds will contribute to accelerate the access to EV charging infrastructure that will help decarbonize our transportation sector,” said Rep. García. “It's crucial that EV infrastructure becomes accessible to disadvantaged communities like the ones I represent.”  

“During my time in the Illinois State House, I advocated for legislation to move Illinois toward a clean, carbon-free future. As a Congresswoman, it is exciting when my colleagues and I can leverage federal resources to realize lower fuel costs, reduced carbon emissions, and better-paying jobs,” said Rep. Ramirez. “I am committed to continue bringing transformative investments to our state and districts that fuel a clean, green future for all families and communities.”  

“Since our founding in 1978, CNT has aimed to foster more just, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure development that serves all community members, with an emphasis on communities that have been historically divested from and underserved,” said the Center for Neighborhood Technology’s Chief Executive Office, Nina Idemudia, AICP.  “We applaud this award as it ensures that CBOs, particularly those working in environmental justice communities, are key stakeholders who possess the knowledge and expertise to guide the City's EV charging investments in a way that equitably distributes the benefits of EV charging.”  

Nearly 70 percent of Chicago residents live in multifamily buildings without dedicated parking, making regular EV charging an extreme challenge. Furthermore, 70 percent of public charging stations are concentrated in just three Community Areas. These factors create barriers to EV ownership to low and moderate income residents, who would most benefit from the steady, lower operating costs EVs can provide. 

With this funding, the Charge Up Chicago project will address the access gap to EV charging, EVs, and e-mobility information in Chicago. By leveraging existing City-owned parking facilities, charging stations will be installed at the Midway International Airport cell phone lot, Chicago Public Library locations, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) investing in community charging hubs.     

The Charge Up Chicago project is led by a coalition of City of Chicago departments, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, OAI Inc, and local CBOs and local partners. 

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