Drive Clean Chicago is accepting requests for proposals for the Drive Clean Station program, with funding for up to 30% of station equipment and installation available for DC fast charging electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The program, with funds provided through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program, is open to all public, private and non-profit entities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Why consider a municipal DC Fast Charging Station?
The market supports it! Chicago is ranked seventh among metropolitan areas for highest number of EVs in operation and Illinois is ranked eighth in the nation for total number of EVs in operation. The vehicles are out there. Give them a reason to come to your community!
Electric vehicle sales are at all-time highs and rising! The U.S. Department of Energy reported in April 2017 that sales of EVs increased nine-fold since their first full year of sales for the mass market in 2011, reaching an all-time high in 2016 of 160,000 EVs sold. From November 2015 to November 2016, EV sales grew by a whopping 37%.
Support economic and community development! EV users are a captive audience for the 20-30 minutes their vehicles are charging at a DC fast charge station. When stations are placed in retail and/or business districts, EV users tend to spend money on food, drink and other items while waiting for their vehicles to charge. Increase sales in your commercial areas, bring new visitors to parks or other public areas of interest with the installation of a DC fast charging station.
Generate revenue! Electric vehicle charging station owners can choose to apply a user fee to help offset operational costs. In 2016, 16% of all government EV charging stations applied a user fee, up from 8% in 2015.
Be a trend-setter! Cities and towns are listed as one of the top three public charging sites in the nation (along with retail locations and employers). Get in on this growth opportunity now while funding is available!
Show your commitment to a healthy, green community! Residents, the business community and EV drivers seeking DC fast charging stations will all see your community is committed to a clean, green, healthy quality of life!
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis through July 31, 2017 or until all funding has been awarded, whichever comes first. More information — including the full request for proposals, approved vendors, FAQs and a Webinar recording – are available on the Drive Clean Chicago Web site at www.drivecleanchicago.com. For more information, contact Project Manager Carl Lisek at clisek@legacyenv.com or (219) 644-3690.