JOLIET, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was in Joliet Monday morning to celebrate the opening of the first electric vehicle charging stations funded by the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
The fast charging ports were partially paid for by a $480,000 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and were installed by a veteran-owned business, Veterans Energy Team, in partnership with the Joliet Park District.
In total six charger with 12 charging ports were made operational at the Inwood Athletic Club on Monday.
"Over the next few years, the electric vehicle ecosystem will continue to grow, creating more quality jobs, building out more charging infrastructure, and making EVs an even more accessible and affordable option for Illinois families,” the governor said.
Pritzker said 2,000 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations will be installed across the state in the next 18 months.
“Expanding EV ownership and installing EV charging infrastructure will reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality for our communities,” said Gil C. Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd. “With more than 100,000 EVs in the region, and with more customers going electric by the day, the investments we’re making in EV charging infrastructure will be crucial to serving evolving transportation needs equitably. We are proud to partner with the Pritzker Administration and the Joliet Park District to power this forward-looking project.”
