Illinois EV and Charger Incentives: Home and Business Rebates, Credits and More

Illinois’ switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating—a trend driven by a strong mix of federal, state, and local incentives that drive down the costs of going all-electric.

With so many programs and policy updates to track, this guide aims to summarize what’s available, what’s changing, and where to find savings through 2026.

By the end, you’ll know:

• Your incentive options for purchasing EVs and charging stations in Illinois
• How to plan purchases and charger installations with no surprises
• Why more drivers than ever are going electric

Federal EV Tax Credits and Charger Incentives

Illinois residents and business owners get the best value from federal programs. Make sure to check if any apply to your EV plans:

New Clean Vehicle Credit (30D)

New EVs and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) may be eligible for a nonrefundable tax credit worth up to $7,500.

Eligibility restrictions include household income limits, vehicle price, and battery components. The IRS provides a tool to verify which vehicles are eligible and estimate your savings.

Buyers have the option to transfer the tax credit to a registered dealer for a point-of-sale price reduction. File Form 8936 to claim.

Policy update: Vehicles must now be acquired by September 30, 2025 to qualify.

Used Clean Vehicle Credit (25E)

The pre-owned vehicle version of the 30D credit, 25E offers a nonrefundable value worth 30% of the sale price, up to $4,000. This credit can also be transferred at the point of sale with registered dealers. Similar eligibility restrictions apply.

Verify the vehicle before purchasing, and claim with Form 8936.

Policy update: Vehicles must be acquired by September 30, 2025 to qualify.

Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (45W)

Businesses and tax-exempt organizations can claim 15–30% of qualifying EV investment costs, up to $7,500 for vehicles weighing under 14,000 pounds and $40,000 for heavier classes.

Hybrid vehicles are eligible for the 15% credit, but the vehicle must be all-electric (or fuel cell-powered) to qualify for the full 30% credit.

To file:

• S corporations and partnerships use Form 8936.
• Other businesses use Form 3800.
• Tax-exempt organizations use Forms 3800 and 990-T.

Policy update: Vehicles must be acquired by September 30, 2025 to qualify.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (30C)

Shoppers in eligible census tracts may also qualify for the 30C tax credit with a purchase of a qualifying charger.

• For homeowners, the credit is worth 30% of their equipment and installation costs, up to $1,000 per charging port. The property must be your primary home and reside in an eligible low-income or non-urban census tract. Filers claim with Form 8911.
• Businesses and tax-exempt organizations may qualify for 6%–30% of their equipment and installation costs, up to $100,000 per charger. The highest value is available when wage and apprenticeship standards are met. Use Form 8911.

Policy update: Chargers must be placed in service by June 30, 2026 to qualify.

Illinois State EV Purchase Rebate

Once you’ve checked federal incentives off your to-do list, Illinois offers an EV rebate worth $4,000 for all-electric passenger vehicles and $1,500 for electric motorcycles.

Purchases must be made from Illinois-licensed dealers during open funding cycles. Apply within 90 days of purchase; funding is limited, and low-income applicants receive priority. Check the Illinois EPA page for open application dates.

Utility and Local EV Charger Rebates in Illinois

Many Illinois utilities support home and business charging through rebates, make-ready assistance, or rate options that reward charging during off-peak hours.

Program amounts and eligibility are often cycle-based or budget-limited, so always check your utility’s latest guidance before applying.

Utility Incentives For Homeowners

Many Illinois residents live in a utility territory with EV incentives.

• Ameren IllinoisAmeren offers ChargeSmart to Illinois customers, which provides bill credits for electricity usage during the 11 p.m.–7 a.m. preferred charging window. The utility also provides periodic marketplace rebates for Level 2 chargers.
• ComEdComEd is funding residential Level 2 charger and installation costs worth up to $3,750 as part of its 2025 initiative. However, funding is limited, and the rebate’s max value drops to $2,500 starting in 2026.
• ComEd customers can further reduce their charging costs with an Hourly Pricing plan, which allows them to benefit from off-peak charging.
• Naperville Electric UtilityNaperville provides up to $500 for installing a Level 2 or 3 charger within city limits; some rules apply.

Utility Incentives For Businesses

• AmerenBusinesses can leverage ChargeSmart to achieve full-fleet cost savings through strategic off-peak charging. As an Ameren Electrical Contractor Partner, Brda Electric is certified to serve its customers.

Other Local and Municipal Programs

Several Illinois cities and public-power utilities offer targeted support beyond statewide and investor-owned utility programs.

Member cities of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) often run local incentives for $500 per qualified Level 2/3 charger. Availability and design vary by municipality.

Some municipal utilities also support charging via dedicated EV service tariffs; for example, Rochelle Municipal Utilities offers a Commercial EV Charging Station rate class that can improve operating economics even without a rebate.

The city of Evanston also regularly funds small business upgrades—including EVs and charging infrastructure—through competitive grant cycles. Check the city’s program page for timelines and requirements.

Registration Fees and Other Cost Offsets

Beyond incentives, ongoing costs also matter. Illinois assesses an annual EV plate fee of $251 for battery-electric vehicles. However, BEVs are exempt from state emissions inspections.

Many drivers further reduce the total cost of ownership by charging off-peak and avoiding oil changes and other engine work altogether.

How to Stack Savings: Step by Step

With access to so many programs, you’ll want to plan carefully to make sure you receive the full value you’re eligible for.

For Homeowners

1. Choose a qualifying EV.Combine the $4,000 Illinois rebate (during open cycles) with federal credits up to $7,500 for a new EV or up to $4,000 for a qualifying used EV—when available. Verify eligibility before you commit.
2. Install a Level 2 home charger.Apply for local rebates where available. Claim the 30C credit for up to $1,000 per charger if your address is in an eligible census tract.
3. Optimize your charging costs.Enroll in time-of-use (TOU) plans and shift charging to lower-priced hours and earn bill credits (where offered).
4. Capture ongoing savings.Lower electricity costs and reduced maintenance can shrink your cost of ownership. Run the numbers with your utility’s tools and the IRS forms you’ll use at tax time.

For Businesses

1. Upgrade your fleet strategically.Use 45W for eligible vehicles—up to $7,500 or $40,000, depending on weight, subject to incremental-cost limits.
2. Plan charging infrastructure.Combine utility support with the federal 30C credit (up to $100,000 per charger at eligible sites) to quicken your investment payback.
3. Use off-peak rates and managed charging.Schedule fleet charging to off-peak windows to reduce energy costs and potential demand charges.

Evaluate ROI.Model stacked incentives, electricity savings, and maintenance reductions across vehicle life to inform procurement and phasing. The IRS provides calculators and forms to help, and your utility may offer similar resources.

Incentives at a Glance

The Bottom Line: Illinois for EV Charging

Illinois residents and business owners have access to huge EV savings through strong federal credits and utility programs that reduce installation and operating costs.

Brda Electric plans and installs EV charging for homes and businesses across Missouri. As licensed electricians with Tesla and Qmerit installer certifications, Brda techs have the expertise to deliver custom-fit installations.

Get a fast quote on your EV charger install.

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