The state’s electric vehicle rebate program will reopen for new applications this fall.
Applications for the $4,000 rebates will be available starting Oct. 18. The funding round itself will last from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, or whenever the $12 million pot of money runs out.
That’s actually less money than was available last year. The state gave out $19 million (split between 4,832 rebates) last year, but lawmakers reduced that to $12 million this year. That reduction comes amid growing demand for EVs in Illinois, as well as a stated goal to get 1 million EVs on the road in Illinois by 2030.
“We are pleased to provide notice of the next funding round to share this important information and give ample notice to those who may be in the market to purchase an all-electric vehicle in the coming weeks or months,” said John Kim, director of the Illinois EPA, which administers the rebates.
To be eligible, EV purchasers from Illinois must apply for a rebate within 90 days of the vehicle purchase date. People who purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during the rebate cycle will be eligible for a rebate as long as funds are available. Those eligibility requirements include:
- The purchaser must reside in Illinois at time of vehicle purchase and at the time the rebate is issued.
- An applicant may not previously have received an Electric Vehicle Rebate.
- The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Rented or leased vehicles do not qualify for the rebate.
- Vehicles purchased from an out-of-state dealership, and vehicles delivered to or received by the purchaser out-of-state are not eligible for a rebate.
- The purchaser must apply for the rebate within 90-days after the vehicle purchase date.
- The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date.
- The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.
- Documentation requirements include a copy of purchase invoice, proof of purchase, vehicle registration, and IRS W-9 or W-8 forms.
