Peoria Standard

In a July 6 Facebook post, Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) promoted the state's electric vehicle rebate program.

"Did you know Illinois residents who purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle are eligible for a rebate up to $4,000?" Koehler posted. He added a link to The Illinois EPA with details.

The rebate program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in the fall of 2021. Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has nearly $18 million allocated for rebates, and Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are now eligible to apply for a rebate of $4,000 each. To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways. Electric motorcycles were not originally included in the legislation, but during the spring 2022 legislative session, Koehler sponsored legislation to expand CEJA and make highway-legal electric motorcycles eligible for a $1,500 electric vehicle rebate. Previously, Senate Bill 2940, Public Act 102-0820 was signed into law this summer and is in full effect.

The rebate period runs from July 1-September 30, 2022. The state's Electric Vehicle Rebate Program page lays out the amounts individuals are eligible for: Illinois residents that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer will be eligible for a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle that is not an electric motorcycle, or a $1,500 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle. Purchasers must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 90 days of vehicle purchase.

As of July 1 the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has a balance of $17,909,043. After the application period closes, rebates will be issued to eligible applicants based on funding availability. Low-income applicants are given priority in rebate disbursement. If funds are still available, rebates will be issued based on the date received by the Illinois EPA.