Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s pursuit of 1 million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030 is facing opposition from some lawmakers who view it as an unrealistic proposal.
In July 2022, the Pritzker administration introduced the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, which provides a $4,000 taxpayer-funded rebate for electric car buyers and a $1,500 rebate for electric motorcycle purchasers. This program is a component of a $17.9 million taxpayer-funded initiative aimed at supporting electric vehicle purchases. Additionally, the state has allocated more than $85 million in grant funding for all-electric public transit.
Governor Pritzker participated in the Illinois Medium and Heavy Duty Electric Vehicle Policy Bootcamp, hosted by the Electrification Coalition, where he expressed his commitment to collaborating with industry partners to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and combat climate change. He emphasized the strength of Illinois’ manufacturing workforce and the potential to shape the future of electrification.
The average cost of an electric vehicle in Illinois is approximately $39,000, a price that State Rep. David Friess, R-Red Bud, believes is unattainable for the average Illinois resident. Friess argued that most people do not have the financial means to purchase new electric vehicles, and this is a concern for the working-class population.
Governor Pritzker countered this by highlighting that the push for electric vehicles and the provided assistance are intended to benefit working-class citizens and create opportunities for them.
Statewide, Illinois possesses 27 million acres of farmland, covering roughly 75% of the state’s total land area. Friess contended that this vast rural landscape makes Pritzker’s plan impractical, particularly in rural communities where the limited charging infrastructure makes electric vehicle usage problematic.
Reports from The Center Square indicate that the EV program has already granted $19 million in rebates, with a priority on reviewing applications from lower-income buyers. Interestingly, the program also subsidized the purchase of luxury electric vehicles, including BMWs, Audi E-trons, Lucid Air Grand Touring, Mercedes-Benzs, and Porsches, which are typically associated with higher price points.
In addition to the goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, Governor Pritzker aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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