National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) remains committed to the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.

NEVI funds are initially directed to designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) to help build a national network of EV charging infrastructure. AFCs in Illinois are located along most Interstates. To be considered fully built-out, EV chargers must be spaced at a maximum distance of 50 miles apart and within one mile of the AFC.

EV chargers installed as part of this first phase are Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC). DCFCs require more power than is typically found in a residential system and can charge an EV from empty to 80 percent in 30 minutes. DCFCs installed during the initial buildout must provide at least four charging ports with a minimum of 150 kW of power simultaneously across all ports. DCFCs must be available 24 hours a day and maintain a 97% annual uptime..

Once AFCs are fully built out, IDOT will move to the next phase of NEVI, which allows for construction of DCFC and Level 2 chargers throughout the state. Level 2 chargers are typically 240V and more common for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV from empty to 80 percent from empty in 4-10 hours.

NEVI requires IDOT to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan on an annual basis to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These plans detail the state’s approach to deploying public charging infrastructure that provides convenient, accessible, reliable, and equitable electric vehicle charging throught the state. 

IDOT is in the initial system build-out phase and has conducted two application rounds for NEVI. Updates on each funding round are provided below, starting with the most recent.

UPDATE: IDOT has concluded the Round 2 application period and is currently reviewing application materials. If you have questions about the status of your application, please email DOT.NEVIApplication@illinois.gov. 

On November 21, 2024, IDOT hosted an engagement session to share information about the second round of IDOT’s NEVI program and capture feedback from potential applicants and other interested stakeholders. The audio from that webinar can be found here, and the presentation slides from that same webinar can be found here. 

Applications for Round 2 of NEVI were due January 31, 2025. For reference, the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Frequently Asked Questions are available below: 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 1/2/25) 

On September 9, 2024, Gov. JB Pritzker and IDOT announced $25.3 million in grants to build charging stations along AFC corridors through the initial round of funding made available from the NEVI program. In addition to making travel by EV more reliable and accessible, the funding advances Gov. Pritzker’s continuing commitment to make the state an industry leader and fight climate change by putting one million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030.  

A total of 37 projects throughout the state were chosen in the first round of NEVI , which will facilitate the construction of 182 new charging ports. Selected locations will have at least four DC fast charging ports each of which can fully charge a typical EV from empty in less than 30 minutes. IDOT is committed to projects with a fully executed grant agreement made to their selected recipients. 

First Round NEVI Conditional Awards List

Resources:

FHWA NEVI web page