ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have recognized 17 local governments for completing the EV Readiness Program, a collaborative effort to help municipalities prepare for the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure across northern Illinois.
These communities represent a diverse mix of urban and suburban governments working to address critical aspects of EV planning.
Through the program, participants implemented policy changes, developed permitting strategies, and created safety protocols to support the expansion of EV deployment. The program, launched in 2022, now includes 38 communities that have participated across three cohorts.
This initiative is directly aligned with Illinois’ broader transportation electrification goals, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims to put one million EVs on state roads by 2030.
With more than 145,000 EVs already registered in Illinois (most within ComEd’s service area), municipal readiness is becoming an essential factor in supporting infrastructure expansion and meeting the needs of both residents and regional EV adoption targets.
The Program is guided by a standardized checklist of over 130 possible municipal actions, helping local governments evaluate and enhance their EV-related practices. Communities that complete the program gain access to additional resources, including ComEd’s Fleet Electrification Assessment, which assists in evaluating vehicle transitions, infrastructure needs, cost modeling, and incentive opportunities.
During the most recent cohort, three communities achieved Gold status: the City of Chicago, the Village of River Forest, and the City of Rolling Meadows. Others advanced their status by implementing further readiness actions, including participation in technical planning and funding applications.
Communities participating in the program have reported benefits such as increased EV registrations and improved eligibility for federal and state funding. The City of Chicago, for example, secured over $11 million in federal grants to replace older diesel vehicles after conducting a fleet suitability analysis through the program.
The EV Readiness Program is supported by a regional coalition of more than 70 partners, including local governments, planning agencies, utility representatives, labor organizations, and technical experts. The program contributes to long-term transportation planning and infrastructure development, helping ensure that EV adoption scales equitably and efficiently across the region.
As EV adoption accelerates, programs like this provide a framework for local governments, OEMs, and infrastructure providers to align on standards and implementation strategies that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support workforce and economic development throughout Illinois.
Filed Under: Technology News