EV Ready
We want to make it easy for you to own an electric vehicle as you help DeKalb become a more sustainable community. We are taking part in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program to reduce barriers to EV ownership. As part of this work, we’ve pulled together information from many sources to help you learn more about EV ownership and move through the EV charger permitting and installation process.
Adoption of electric vehicles is encouraged throughout the City's Sustainability Plan. That's because EVs have several environmental advantages over conventional vehicles:
- Energy efficient. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
- Lower emissions. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, which make them a cleaner option to operate compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable energy.
- Improved air quality. Lower emissions lead to better local air quality.
And the benefits extend beyond sustainability:
- Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration.
- Reduced maintenance costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, and other common maintenance services needed for traditional vehicles.
- Reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
DeKalb is committed to exceptional customer service for all permit applicants, including those who want to install an EV charger in their home or at a business or multi-unit residential building.
- We have created an EV Charger Resource Guide with checklists to complete the permit application and prepare for the inspection. This guide includes the required electrical permit, your options for submitting the permit and information on fees.
- A City maintains a list of registered electrical contractors.
- The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) also provides a list of certified EV charging station installers.
- The Building & Code Division processes permit applications within two weeks.
- Inspections are available with as little as 24 hours’ notice, depending on staff availability.
As part of our commitment to being EV Ready, we have installed two EV chargers in City lots in downtown DeKalb, so charge up while shopping and dining! These chargers are free to use and available 24 hours a day.
Vaughan Parking Lot This lot is just south of the railroad track and accessible from First Street and Second Street. The Level 2 charger is next to Tom Sparks Auto. | |
Van Buer Plaza The plaza is north of the railroad tracks and accessible from Second Street and Locust Street. The Level 2 charger can be found in the south corner of the plaza. |
These City-owned chargers are just two of 22 chargers available in DeKalb. Publicly available charging stations can easily be located using PlugShare’s interactive map, by downloading the free PlugShare app, or by using the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Alternative Fueling Station Locator.
A reminder for drivers of vehicles with internal-combustible engines: A person may park only an electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles. Unauthorized use of EV-only parking by non-EVs at both public and private properties is prohibited. Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)
Thinking about buying or leasing an EV? Drivers are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles. To learn more about EVs and if switching to electric is right for you, use these helpful resources, and if you're ready to make the switch, be sure to take advantage of available incentives!
- ComEd Find Vehicles & Chargers – This site and the next webpage are part of ComEd’s Exploring Electric Vehicles webpage.
- ComEd Savings, Benefits & Incentives
- Find Used EVs
- PlugStar EV Shopping Assistant
- Electric Vehicles for Consumers – information from the U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center
- National Drive Electric Week – Events offer ride and drives, the opportunity to talk to EV drivers, and the chance to see a variety of electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Annual events are hosted nationwide in the fall and also around Earth Day in April.
Rebates and Incentives
- Federal Tax Credit for Vehicles – Use the federal government’s federal tax credit tool to learn about the credit amount available for various EV makes and models. The maximum credit is $7,500 for new vehicles and up to $4,000 for used vehicles.
- New and Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credits, Energy Saver webpage – This Department of Energy webpage describes the new and previously owned clean vehicle tax credits. The page includes a checklist to determine if a vehicle is eligible for either credit. You may also want to contact a tax professional.
- Illinois EV Rebate Program – Residents may apply for a rebate on a new or used all-electric vehicle, when a rebate cycle is open. Purchasers must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 90 days of vehicle purchase.
- Federal Tax Credit for EV Charging Equipment – Residents who purchase qualified residential charging equipment may receive a tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1,000. Find out more at the above website, or consult a tax professional.
- ComEd residential rebates for EV chargers – ComEd is offering rebates for the purchase and installation of new residential Level 2 chargers.
- ComEd business and public sector rebates and services – ComEd is offering rebates on EVs and on make-ready infrastructure for business and public sector customers, as well as free fleet electrification assessments. More details are available at ComEd.com/Clean.
- Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit – Businesses and tax-exempt organizations that purchase an EV may receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 for vehicles under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for vehicles over that weight.
Power up your EV smartly by register it with ComEd, finding the best electric, locating a certified charging station installer, and safely using and charging your vehicle.
- Register your EV with ComEd to help the utility assess your electric service needs.
- Find the right electric rate.
- If you're ready to install your own charger, find an EV charging station installer who is registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
Safety Information:
- Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles - U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center
- Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips – FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration
DeKalb is working to be recognized as a Bronze EV Ready Community for implementing best practices that make it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations and access information about EVs. The City will earn this designation through participating in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ regional EV Readiness Program.
Our community’s EV readiness commitment can be found in our EV readiness letter of commitment.
As part of this effort, the City Council has amended the Unified Development Ordinance to allow EV chargers in all zoning districts and parking space with chargers to be counted towards minimum parking requirements. We've streamed the permitting process for installing a charger in homes and businesses and our Fire Department has taken specialized training.