Summary
- Four Illinois state parks now have public charging stations for electric vehicles, with plans to add 40 more at other public areas
- The goal of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- The public charging stations aim to make it easier for electric vehicle drivers to travel across Illinois
- The chargers were donated by EVBox, a local electric vehicle charger manufacturer
- The state of Illinois aims to increase the number of registered electric vehicles from 120,000 to 1 million by 2030, addressing the need for more accessible charging stations
Article
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has installed public charging stations for electric vehicles at four state parks, with plans to add an additional 40 chargers at other public areas in the state. The goal of this initiative is to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and make it easier for electric vehicle owners to drive across and around Illinois. These chargers will encourage more electric vehicle drivers to visit the state’s parks and historic sites, contributing to the department’s efforts to meet the growing demand for EV chargers in rural and underserved communities.
The level-two chargers, donated to the IDNR by EVBox, can fully charge a vehicle in 4-10 hours, drawing about the same power as a clothes dryer. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the importance of charging stations for travelers passing through the state, emphasizing the need for charging infrastructure along major driving routes. The state aims to increase the number of registered electric vehicles in Illinois from 120,000 to 1 million by 2030, and accessible chargers play a crucial role in achieving this target. The initiative addresses concerns such as “charging fear” and “range anxiety,” aiming to eliminate barriers to purchasing electric vehicles and promoting sustainable transportation options.
The installation of charging stations at popular state parks like Frank Holten State Park in East St. Louis, Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Washington County State Recreation Area, and Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. State Rep. Kevin Schmidt highlighted the importance of such initiatives in addressing environmental racism and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for communities like Cahokia Heights. By incentivizing more people to switch to electric cars and expanding charging infrastructure, Illinois is taking strides towards a more sustainable transportation sector.
Lisa Clement Stott, Electric Mobility and Innovation Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, stressed the need to make charging stations more accessible to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles. A 2023 AAA survey revealed that a lack of charging stations is a primary barrier for potential electric vehicle buyers. By increasing the number of charging stations at popular public areas, the state aims to alleviate concerns about range anxiety and charging availability, making electric vehicles a more viable option for travelers and residents alike. The IDNR’s partnership with EVBox and other stakeholders in the electric vehicle sector is crucial for driving innovation and advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
As the desire to mitigate climate change grows stronger, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning towards cleaner forms of transportation. Dan Fedor of EVBox expressed a vision for Illinois to lead in electric vehicle and charger production, ultimately working towards a future where vehicles are powered sustainably. The IDNR’s initiative to install charging stations at state parks not only serves to support electric vehicle drivers but also encourages more visitors to explore Illinois’ natural beauty and historic sites. By integrating environmental sustainability into transportation infrastructure, the state is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for Illinois residents and visitors.
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