Illinois Opens State’s First NEVI-Funded EV Charging Station

On July 22, 2026, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported that IDOT, joined by local leaders in Casey, has opened the state’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging station funded through the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The milestone marks a major step in Illinois’ effort to build a statewide network of reliable EV charging stations while supporting economic development and the transition to cleaner transportation.

IDOT also announced $23.5 million in new NEVI funding awards for 29 additional charging projects as part of the state’s effort to expand fast-charging availability along interstate corridors and other key travel routes. The new investments are expected to improve EV travel reliability, create opportunities for local communities, and support advancing Gov. JB Pritzker’s continuing commitment to make the state an industry leader and fight climate change by completing Illinois’ goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on the state’s roads by 2030.

Administered by IDOT with federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Illinois’ NEVI program is designed to accelerate EV adoption by expanding public charging access in communities, along interstates, and near scenic travel routes. The program is part of a broader strategy to position Illinois as a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing and deployment while reducing transportation emissions.

The first NEVI charging station in Illinois is located at the Mach 1 travel center on Illinois Route 49 near Interstate 70 in Casey. The site features four DC fast chargers and was made possible through an $854,641 competitive grant awarded to Phillips 66 in partnership with Meyer Oil and Electrify America. Additional NEVI-funded charging stations are expected to become operational throughout the summer.

The latest $23.5 million funding round represents Illinois’ third round of NEVI awards and will support the construction of 140 new charging ports across 29 locations. Each station will include at least four DC fast chargers capable of charging a typical electric vehicle from empty to near full in less than 30 minutes.

“These new chargers are an important step forward in making the governor’s EV goals a reality, while creating economic opportunity by connecting Illinois communities to a national network of stations,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Some of the strongest interest we’re seeing for electric vehicle charging is coming from rural areas that see the benefit of having travelers stop in their towns to charge up and spend their dollars at local stores and businesses. We look forward to adding many more throughout the state in the weeks and months ahead.”

Projects receiving funding include charging stations in communities across the state, including Urbana, Arlington Heights, Oak Park, Aurora, Ottawa, Dixon, Springfield, Lebanon, and Mokena. Award recipients include Universal EV, Heartland Charging Services, and EVgo Services.

Through the first three rounds of NEVI funding, IDOT has conditionally awarded $67.2 million to support 91 charging stations with a combined 489 charging ports. The agency recently completed the application period for Round 4 of the program, which includes approximately $30 million in additional funding. Selected locations are expected to be announced by the end of August.

Illinois’ expanding EV charging network demonstrates how federal infrastructure funding is helping states accelerate electrification. As more fast-charging stations are deployed, EV drivers will have greater confidence traveling throughout the state while communities benefit from new investment and economic activity.