Summary
– Illinois has over 100,000 electric vehicle registrations
– The Governor’s goal is to have one million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030
– Nearly 18,000 EVs are registered in Chicago
– EV drivers do not pay gas tax but pay an additional registration fee for road construction projects
– Climate action legislation was signed in 2021 to combat the damage done to the climate
Article
Illinois has exceeded 100,000 electric vehicle (EV) registrations as of the end of April, with the Secretary of State starting to officially track these vehicles in November 2017. At that time, there were only 8,000 EV registrations in the state. The Governor’s goal is to have one million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by the year 2030 as part of a larger push towards renewable energy. Governor Pritzker signed climate action legislation in 2021, emphasizing the importance of taking action to combat the damage done to the environment.
Chicago alone accounts for nearly 18,000 registered EVs, with suburban Cook County contributing to a quarter of the state’s EV registrations. This demonstrates a growing trend towards electric vehicles in urban and suburban areas of Illinois. EV drivers do not pay gas taxes, which are typically used for road construction and maintenance, but instead pay an additional registration fee that goes towards these types of projects. This helps ensure that EV drivers contribute to the upkeep of the roads they use.
The shift towards electric vehicles in Illinois aligns with larger efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Governor Pritzker’s goal of one million EVs on the road by 2030 is a significant step towards a more sustainable future in the state. The passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021 signaled Illinois’s commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. This legislation will play a key role in reducing the state’s carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy initiatives.
The increase in EV registrations in Illinois reflects a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. As more drivers choose EVs over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the state is likely to see a decrease in carbon emissions and overall environmental impact. This shift towards electric vehicles is part of a larger trend towards sustainability and green energy solutions, both in Illinois and across the country. By embracing electric vehicles, Illinois is taking steps towards a cleaner, more environmentally friendly transportation sector.
The popularity of electric vehicles in Illinois is not limited to urban areas, as suburban Cook County also boasts a significant number of EV registrations. This indicates that the appeal of electric vehicles extends beyond major cities and is gaining traction in suburban communities as well. The state’s efforts to promote EV adoption, through initiatives like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, are likely to further drive the growth of electric vehicles in Illinois. As more drivers switch to EVs, the state can expect to see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a positive impact on air quality and public health.
Overall, Illinois’s milestone of surpassing 100,000 electric vehicle registrations demonstrates the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation and combating climate change. With Governor Pritzker’s goal of one million EVs on the road by 2030, Illinois is poised to become a leader in the adoption of electric vehicles in the Midwest. By prioritizing renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions through initiatives like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for its residents and the environment.
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