Commitment to EV Readiness
The Village of River Forest is preparing for the expected increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations by participating in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program. We are reducing barriers to EV infrastructure investment and making it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. River Forest has also pulled together information from many sources to help you learn about EVs and EV charging stations, decide if they are right for you, and move through the EV charger permitting and installation process. Our community’s EV readiness goals can be found in our EV Readiness Letter of Commitment found here.
Electric Vehicles
All-electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity only. They are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs.
Benefits of EVs
EVs have several advantages over conventional vehicles:
- Energy efficient. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
- Lower emissions. In River Forest, greenhouse gas emissions caused by on-road transportation account for 28% of total emissions, according to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, which makes them a cleaner option to operate compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable energy.
- Improved air quality. Lower emissions lead to better local air quality.
- Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration.
- Reduced maintenance costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, and other common maintenance services needed for traditional vehicles.
- Reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
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:
Finding Public Charging
Publicly available charging stations can easily be located using PlugShare’s interactive map, by downloading the free PlugShare app, or by using the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Alternative Fueling Station Locator.
In 2022, the Village installed its first electric vehicle charging station on Central Avenue behind Village Hall as part of the continued efforts to reduce the Village’s greenhouse gas emissions. The level two dual-port charging station is capable of charging two vehicles at a time. The station utilizes the ChargePoint network and is currently free to use for the first two hours. As it becomes increasingly important that residents and visitors of the Village have charging options in public parking areas, the Village will be looking to install stations throughout the community in the coming years and exploring electric vehicle options for the Village’s fleet.
Policies and Processes for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permits
The Village of River Forest Building Department is committed to exceptional customer service for applicants who wish to install EV charging stations. The permitting and inspection process, including an application checklist, can be found here.
Electric Vehicle charging is a permitted accessory use in all zoningdistricts in the Village. General Zoning Regulations for for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards can be found within the Village Code here.
Parking Regulations at EV Charging Stations
A person may park only an electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles. Unauthorized use of EV-only parking by non-EVs at both public and private properties is prohibited.
Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)
For EV Owners
- Register your EV with ComEd to help the utility assess your electric service needs.
- Find the right electric rate.
- Find an EV charging station installer who is registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). A complete list of Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) certified EV charging station installers can be found here.
- The Electric Vehicle Charging Act allows renters and condominium unit owners to be able to install charging equipment for electric vehicles under reasonable conditions. The EV charging system policy for unit owners can be found here. The EV charging system policy for renters can be found here.
New Construction
Effective January 1, 2024, the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act requires parking spaces provided with all new residential construction to be EV Capable. The Act requires, beginning January 1st, that all new single-family homes and multi-family homes with 2-4 dwelling units to have one EV-capable parking space per dwelling unit. For newly constructed or converted multi-family residential buildings of 5 units or more, 100% of parking spaces must be EV Capable for all permits issued after April 1, 2024.
Effective October 28, 2024, the Village of River Forest Zoning Code requires all nonresidential new construction providing parking spaces to include the include EV Ready parking speaces equal to the the lesser of 20% of all parking spaces or 6 total parking spaces.
Rebates and Incentives
- 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: The next rebate cycle will be open Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024. Residents may apply for a $4,000 rebate on a new or used all-electric vehicle. 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 $2,500 to $3,750 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 fleet 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.
- Cook County C-PACE - The Cook County Commercial property assessed clean energy program provides low-cost, long term financing for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at commercial and large multi-family properties. You can learn more about the C-PACE improvements here.
For other updates on incentives, please visit:
Safety Information
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