CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today released the Chicago Moves Electric Framework Plan, which outlines the City’s strategy to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, support e-mobility services and reduce transportation-related emissions. The City encourages residents to provide feedback on the framework by submitting a comment at chicago.gov/ChicagoMovesElectric.

 “This plan will help ensure that all neighborhoods, especially those that have been historically underserved, are part of the transition to a healthier, low-carbon future,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Expanding access to EVs and charging infrastructure is a critical step toward delivering cleaner air, reducing emissions and improving quality of life across our city.”

 The Framework outlines four key goals:

• Ensure equity in expanding EV charging infrastructure to meaningfully benefit residents who have less access to low-carbon transportation solutions;
• Encourage low-carbon transportation to improve air quality and reduce emissions;
• Support multi-modal integration to ensure EV and e-mobility infrastructure is integrated with public transit, biking and walking;
• Address critical gaps in EV and e-mobility infrastructure access where market forces alone fail to deliver convenient, reliable, safe and affordable access.

These goals are supported by implementation strategies that focus on infrastructure reliability, community outreach and education, supportive policies, workforce development and strong partnerships with both the public and private sectors.

“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”

 The electric transportation market is rapidly expanding in Chicago and nationally, with projections indicating increased adoption across all market categories for EVs such as Plug-In Hybrid EVs and Battery EVs, as well as e-mobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters.  

 Chicago currently has more than 860 public EV charging locations and over 4,800 charging ports citywide. However, much of that infrastructure is concentrated in and around downtown, while many neighborhoods on the South and West Sides face limited access. EV ownership continues to rise in Chicago, with more than 20,000 registered EVs—a number that has shown consistent growth year over year. The Framework provides a guide for addressing these infrastructure gaps and ensuring that all communities have access to the benefits of low-emission transportation.

 The plan aligns with Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, which sets ambitious targets including full electrification of the City fleet by 2035, zero-emission ride-hail and taxi fleets by 2030, and deployment of 2,500 new public EV charging stations by 2035.

“We are proud to partner with CDOT to continue making cleaner transportation accessible to all Chicagoans,” said Angela Tovar, Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer and Commissioner of the Department of Environment. “This EV Framework is an example of how collaboration between the City and community helps us not only meet our climate targets, but ultimately build a healthier, safer Chicago for everyone.”

The Framework was developed with extensive community engagement, including surveys, public meetings, stakeholder listening sessions and outreach to alderpeople and community-based organizations.

The City invites the public to review the draft plan and share feedback during a formal public comment period which ends on May 18, 2025. To view the plan and submit comments, visit chicago.gov/ChicagoMovesElectric

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