Electric vehicles
Are you ready to plug in to a zero-emissions car? EVs have no tailpipe emissions and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
​
Switching your main car to an EV saves the cost of gas and lowers maintenance costs too. Driving an EV typically costs less than half of what it costs to drive a gas car.
​
EV Smart is a great place to start to explore EV options, calculate your savings, and more.
Savings​​​
-
Federal tax credit for new EVs.
-
Federal tax credit for used EVs.
-
Illinois rebate for new EVs. Note: The Illinois rebate will reopen when more funding is available.
-
Federal tax credit for EV Charging Equipment.
-
Find the right electricity rate from ComEd.
​
Be Sure To...
1. Review your options for EVs and EV Charging Stations. Explore used EV options too.
2. Understand the basics of safety for charging and EVs.
3. Find nearby Charging Stations for EVs using the Alternative Fueling Station Locator or the PlugShare interactive map.
4. Register your Electric Vehicle with ComEd.
5. Choose an Electric Vehicle Charging Station installer who is certified with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
6. Obtain a permit before installing an EV Charging Station. See below for more information.
​
​
How do electric vehicles work?
Installing EV Charging Stations
Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
EV charging equipment is available in three different levels, depending upon the rate at which the battery is charged and the type of power (i.e. AC or DC).
-
Level 1- Plugs into a standard outlet (120 volts), average charging rate of 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. Typical at home or the workplace.
-
Level 2 – Requires heavy duty electrical circuit and plug (240 volts), average charging rate of 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging. Can be installed at home or the workplace.
-
Level 3 (DC fast chargers) – 80% charge in 20-30 minutes (480 volts). Typically found at high traffic areas such a rest stops and shopping centers, not at home or the workplace.
Oak Park residents and business owners are welcome to install EV charging stations at their property.
​
A permit is needed to install an EV charging station.
Contact: permits@oak-park.us.
benefits of Electric Vehicles
Environmental
Reduce greenhouse gases and pollution
Economic
Save money on your transportation
Rebates and tax incentives available
Convenient
Customize your travel to best fit your own personal needs