Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Launch of New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

PONTIAC — Today, Governor JB Pritzker attended the ribbon cutting for five brand-new IONNA electric vehicle (EV) charging station sites, or “rechargeries,” across Illinois, totaling nearly 40 live charging bays. Illinois continues to deliver a strong environment for private investment in EV infrastructure by expanding access to reliable, convenient charging for drivers.

“Whether you’re headed out on a long-range road trip, taking the kids to school, or on the job site, EV ownership should be easy, affordable, and reliable. Here in Illinois, we’ve put shoulder to the wheel to get the EV industry off the ground, and we’ve seen significant investments in our state as a result,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over the next few years, Illinois’ EV ecosystem will continue to grow — creating more quality jobs, building out more charging infrastructure, and making EVs an even more accessible and affordable option for our families.”

IONNA is a joint venture founded by eight global automakers, deploying EV fast charging infrastructure nationwide. IONNA’s charging stations are accessible to all-electric vehicles with NACS or CCS connectors. Among the new charging sites in Illinois, IONNA is powering 10 charging bays — electrified by ComEd — at Wally’s in Pontiac, creating access to local retail operations for Illinois EV drivers.

“Our goal at IONNA is simple: provide easy and stress-free EV charging for our drivers,” said IONNA CEO Seth Cutler. “By bringing fast, reliable charging to familiar stops like Wally’s in Pontiac, we’re giving Illinois drivers the confidence to travel farther, stop comfortably, and enjoy the journey — whether they’re commuting, running errands, or taking a road trip.”

“Wally’s — the Home of the Great American Road Trip — is proud to partner with IONNA to bring EV charging to Pontiac, strengthening the Midwest travel corridor while delivering the convenience, comfort, and reliability our guests expect,” said Wally’s Co-Founder and CEO Michael Rubenstein.

“The new and improved EV infrastructure at Wally's is another step forward for our community — supporting cleaner transportation, encouraging innovation, and making it easier for residents and visitors alike to choose sustainable options,” said Pontiac Mayor Kelly A. Eckhoff. “New station will attract road travelers, encourage longer stops, and brings more dollars to our local economy, while also preparing Pontiac for the future of transportation.”

“ComEd is committed to helping northern Illinois customers and communities unlock the sustainability and cost saving benefits of EVs,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “Working closely with the state of Illinois, EV companies and communities across the region, we have helped facilitate the expansion of a widespread network of charging stations to serve the region, strengthened by the most reliable grid in the country.”

The State of Illinois has fought to ensure federal resources are delivered as promised, securing the release of critical funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants. So far, a total of $148 million has been allocated to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to deliver the NEVI program in Illinois. To date, IDOT has awarded $43.8 million in NEVI grants for 62 projects throughout the state, which will facilitate the construction of 349 new charging ports.

As federal EV tax credits are no longer available, Illinois continues to operate its own state EV rebate program. Illinois’ EV rebate program — which delivers a check to eligible purchasers — includes $4,000 for low-income Illinoisans, $2,000 for others purchasing an EV, and $1,500 for electric motorcycles. By doubling down in the face of federal roadblocks, Illinois is encouraging sustained growth in the EV sector.

Illinois EV Growth

This combination of public leadership and private investment is helping drive rapid EV growth statewide:

Illinois’ commitment to expanding EV infrastructure benefits Illinois’ local economies and EV and component manufacturers alike. As the state’s EV market grows through strategic investments and competitive incentives, more well-paying jobs are created for Illinois’ unmatched workforce. In May, Governor Pritzker announced EV manufacturer Rivian’s $120 million investment in a new supplier park, which will support hundreds of new jobs and suppliers.

Alongside the charging site in Pontiac, other IONNA rechargeries across Illinois include:

Six other IONNA charging sites in Springfield, Chicago, North Aurora, St. Charles, Arlington Heights, and Des Plaines are either contracted or scheduled to go live.

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