Electric Vehicles and Chargers

• Energy Efficiency. EVs are highly energy efficient, converting over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. In comparison, conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%-30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
• Lower Emissions. In Rolling Meadows, on-road transportation accounts for 38% of total greenhouse gas emissions. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner option compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable energy. This contributes to reducing overall emissions and improving air quality.
• Improved Air Quality. With lower emissions, EVs help improve local air quality by reducing pollution levels and harmful particulate matter.
• Performance Benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration compared to internal combustion engines, resulting in a more enjoyable driving experience.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, tune-ups, or cooling system flushes like traditional vehicles. This leads to reduced maintenance costs and fewer visits to the mechanic.
• Reduced Energy Dependence. By relying on electricity as a domestic energy source, EVs reduce dependence on imported oil, increasing energy security and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Obtaining a permit to install an Electric Vehicle Charging station, whether at a residential or commercial property, should be no more difficult than applying for other permit types. However, there are some additional application details that are required to ensure the safety of the equipment and installation. Please read the checklists thoroughly to enable an efficient and safe installation.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station installers are required by state law to be certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission. A list ICC certified installers can be found at the Illinois Commerce Commission website. 

• Permitting and Inspection Checklist
• EVSE Application
• Approval requirements: Inspections Checklist

Once the City receives a full permit application, it will be reviewed and processed in no more than 10 business days.

Final inspections are typically conducted within 2 business days, and will be completed in no more than 5 business days, after completion or contractor request.

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVSE): Rolling Meadows Zoning Code of Ordinances
• Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act (765 ILCS 1085/)
• US Access Board Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• 2018 International Building Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2017 National Electrical Code
• 2018 International Fire Code

• Rolling Meadows has public charging available at the following locations:
• Meijer, 1301 Meijer Drive (Tesla Supercharger)
• Meijer, 1301 Meijer Drive (Chargepoint)
• Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 W Central Road (Chargepoint)
• Cook County Court, 2121 Euclid Avenue (Chargepoint)
• Coming Soon: City Hall, 3600 Kirchoff Road

You can find the nearest charging station at: 

• PlugShare interactive map
• AFCD Fueling Station Locator 

If you see a station that isn’t on the AFDC Fueling Station Locator, you can add it by “submit new station” feature, and inputting the location, phone number, hours of operation, accepted payment, accessibility details, and any other relevant information.

There are 3 general categories of EV Chargers.

1. Level 1 Chargers are common for home charging, and will typically charge at a rate of ~5 miles per hour from a 120V outlet. These are not sufficient for retail or public use, but are suitable for a home garage. You don’t need a permit to install level 1 chargers, unless you are installing new electrical components to plug it into.
2. Level 2 chargers operate on 208/240V and are significantly fast than level one charger. Some level two chargers can add up to 80 miles per hour of charge. Installing a level 2 charger requires a permit.
3. DC Fast Charger use a 480V DC circuit, and are only permitted for commercial, retail, and public use. They can fully charge most EVs in around 20 minutes. Installation of DCFC stations requires a permit.

Find Vehicles and Chargers: ComEd’s EVSmart website contains useful links to and comparisons of EV cars and chargers.

Savings, Benefits & Incentives: Find out about the ComEd EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, and various federal tax credit incentives.

Electric Vehicles for Consumers: Information from the U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center.

• Register your EV with ComEd to help the utility asses your electric service needs
• Find the right electric rate. The City has a Community Electric Aggregation program that reliably saves residents and businesses money, however, encourages all account holders to explore options that may better suit their needs.
• Find and EV Charging Station Installer who is registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Thinking about buying or leasing an EV? 

Drivers are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). To learn more about EVs and if switching to electric is right for you, use these helpful resources:

• ComEd Find Vehicles & Chargers – This site and the next webpage are part of ComEd’s Exploring Electric Vehicles webpage.
• ComEd Savings, Benefits & Incentives
• Find Used EVs
• PlugStar EV Shopping Assistant
• Electric Vehicles for Consumers – information from the U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center
• National Drive Electric Week – Events offer ride and drives, the opportunity to talk to EV drivers, and the chance to see a variety of electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Annual events are hosted nationwide in the fall and also around Earth Day in April. 

• Federal Tax Credit for Vehicles: Use the federal government’s federal tax credit tool to learn about the credit amount available for various EV makes and models. The maximum credit is $7,500 for new vehicles and up to $4,000 for used vehicles. 
• New and Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credits, Energy Saver webpage – This Department of Energy webpage describes the new and previously owned clean vehicle tax credits. The page includes a checklist to determine if a vehicle is eligible for either credit. You may also want to contact a tax professional. 
• Illinois EV Rebate Program: Residents may apply for a rebate on a new or used all-electric vehicle, when a rebate cycle is open. Purchasers must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 90 days of vehicle purchase.
• Federal Tax Credit for EV Charging Equipment – Residents who purchase qualified residential charging equipment may receive a tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1,000. Find out more at the above website, or consult a tax professional. 
• ComEd residential rebates for EV chargers – ComEd is offering rebates for the purchase and installation of new residential Level 2 chargers.
• ComEd business and public sector rebates and services – ComEd is offering rebates on EVs and on make-ready infrastructure for business and public sector customers, as well as free fleet electrification assessments. More details are available at ComEd.com/Clean.   
• Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit – Businesses and tax-exempt organizations that purchase an EV may receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 for vehicles under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for vehicles over that weight.
• Community Property Assesed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program – C-PACE is a n innovative tool that enables commercial property owners to obtain up to 100% long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water use and electric vehicle charging building improvements

• Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles - U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center
• Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips – FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration
   Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) EV Charging Station Installer Certification -- Vendors who install EV charging stations must be certified by the ICC. (Reference: 220 ILCS 5/16-128A)

• Drive Electric - U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
• Drive Electric Illinois
• Explaining Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles - U.S. EPA
• Green Vehicle Guide - U.S. EPA