ComEd Rolls Out $87 Million EV Rebate Initiative for Businesses and Public Sector; Applications Begin Mid-February

ComEd is expanding its commitment to electric vehicle adoption across northern Illinois by introducing a substantial $87 million rebate program aimed at business and public sector customers. The utility company unveiled these two complementary initiatives during the Chicago Auto Show, representing a major push to lower barriers for fleet electrification and charging infrastructure development.

Dual-Track Rebate Program Structure

The funding splits into two distinct tracks. A $57 million allocation supports direct EV purchase rebates, ranging from $5,000 to $180,000 per vehicle depending on classification—covering light-duty vehicles, medium and heavy-duty fleet trucks, transit buses, and school buses. The remaining $30 million targets electrical infrastructure upgrades needed to support public charging deployment, with per-unit support reaching $8,000 for Level 2 charging ports (maximum 10 per location) or $1,000 per kilowatt for fast-charging infrastructure installations.

Applications will open February 15, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis through ComEd’s online portal. The company is also accepting retroactive applications for vehicles and equipment installed back to June 1, 2023, broadening access for early adopters.

Charging Technology and Infrastructure Impact

The rebate structure distinguishes between charging speeds to reflect real-world deployment needs. Level 2 chargers provide 6-8 times faster charging compared to standard household outlets, while Level 3 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) systems can replenish typical EV batteries in under an hour—critical for commercial fleet operations requiring rapid turnaround times.

At least half of all rebate funding is ring-fenced for equity-eligible communities, with enhanced rebate levels reserved for applicants in low-income areas or serving those populations through their operations.

Eligibility and Application Scope

Eligible applicants span small and large businesses, municipal governments, school districts, and transit authorities. The programs address two primary use cases: fleets seeking to reduce operational costs and environmental impact through vehicle electrification, and entities aiming to build public charging access for community benefit.

ComEd has introduced the EV Fleet Toolkit (available at www.comed.com/EVbiz) to assist organizations in assessing conversion feasibility, estimating total-cost-of-ownership, and identifying optimal charging locations based on grid capacity analysis.

Broader Policy Context

These initiatives complement Illinois state-level EV goals established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which targets 1 million electric vehicles on state roads by 2030. Regional EV adoption has accelerated significantly—the northern Illinois fleet grew from 17,000 vehicles in 2019 to 80,000 today, demonstrating market momentum.

The programs build on recent residential rebates for EV charging equipment, expanding ComEd’s multi-sector approach to transportation electrification. Additional support comes through federal incentives and state programs like the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV).