Summary
- ComEd initiated a $90 million rebate program at the Chicago Drives Electric event to provide instant discounts to business and public sector customers switching to electric vehicles
- Chicago Drives Electric event sponsored by CDK Global and ComEd allows Chicago area car buyers to test drive new EVs
- ComEd’s Beneficial Electrification initiative aims to lower barriers to electric vehicle adoption and involve over 30 local EV and auto industry stakeholders
- Half of ComEd’s rebate funds are allocated to EIEC and low income communities to promote environmental equity
- Fleet operators can qualify for rebates of $5,000 to $180,000 per vehicle through the instant rebate initiative, which can be stacked with federal and state rebates to cover up to 100% of the cost of a new EV.
Article
Illinois utility company ComEd launched the Chicago Drives Electric event with a $90 million initiative to provide instant discounts to qualifying businesses and public sector customers who switch to electric vehicles. The event, sponsored by CDK Global and ComEd, allows Chicago area car buyers to experience the latest EVs on the market without the pressure of visiting a dealer. The utility’s Beneficial Electrification initiative aims to lower the total costs of converting commercial fleets to electric power and is supported by numerous local car dealers, OEMs, and EV industry stakeholders.
ComEd’s Senior Vice President of Customer Operations, Melissa Washington, emphasized the importance of making the transition to electric vehicles easier for customers. The new Point of Purchase EV rebate initiative is designed to provide instant rebates to fleet customers, making widespread fleet electrification more achievable. Half of the nearly $90 million in rebate funds will go towards environmental equity and low-income communities. The Point of Purchase program will help commercial customers, including businesses and public sector entities, qualify for rebates ranging from $5,000 to $180,000 per vehicle at the time of purchase.
The Point of Purchase initiative by ComEd is aimed at making the transition to electric vehicles more accessible and equitable across northern Illinois. The program will provide rebates to fleet operators through approved dealerships or manufacturers in the ComEd Point of Purchase network. Customers can stack the ComEd rebate with federal and state rebates, potentially covering up to 100% of the cost of a new electric vehicle. Chicago Drives Electric, part of the Chicago Auto Trade Association’s celebration of Drive Electric Week, runs all weekend and allows participants to experience various EV models.
The higher initial cost of EVs is often cited as the primary barrier to adoption, but programs like ComEd’s are working to lower this barrier for fleets looking to electrify. By providing instant rebates and incentives, ComEd aims to encourage more businesses and organizations to switch to electric vehicles and contribute to the growth of transportation electrification. The event showcases the latest EVs on the market and aims to educate consumers about the benefits of electric vehicles while providing opportunities to test drive different models without the pressure of visiting a dealer.
ComEd’s commitment to advancing transportation electrification and supporting customers in their fleet electrification journey is evident through the Point of Purchase initiative. By providing resources, tools, and programs to remove barriers to EV adoption, ComEd is playing a significant role in promoting the transition to electric vehicles. The collaborative effort involving various stakeholders in the EV and auto industry in Illinois aims to make widespread fleet electrification more achievable and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Programs like the Point of Purchase initiative are crucial in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Overall, the Chicago Drives Electric event, sponsored by ComEd and CDK Global, aims to promote EV adoption and raise awareness about the benefits of electric transportation. By offering instant rebates to fleet customers, ComEd is making it easier for businesses and public sector entities to transition to electric vehicles. The collaboration between ComEd and various stakeholders in the EV industry demonstrates a commitment to advancing transportation electrification and sustainability in Illinois. Through initiatives like Point of Purchase, ComEd is helping to overcome barriers to EV adoption and support the transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options in the region.
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