This project addresses the limited access to EV charging in densely populated areas, particularly those with few public charging facilities due to limited parking.
The pilot introduces five new EV charging stations to Bronzeville, including Illinois' first curbside charging station, aiming to expand access crucial for a fair transition to EVs.
“The air quality and sustainability benefits of EVs are vast, but we know that financial barriers and access to charging can be challenging,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd's SVP of customer operations and strategy. “That is why programs like this charging pilot are so impactful in not only supporting air quality but ensuring equitable access to this critical technology.”
Funded by a US$3m DOE grant and ComEd matching funds, the project aims to extend charging to low-income communities with higher greenhouse gas emissions. Since its launch in 2022, the pilot has served nearly 300 drivers and facilitated over 2,800 charging sessions in Bronzeville.
John Gartner, senior director at the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), highlights the significance of such projects in making EV ownership accessible, especially in emissions-affected communities. ComEd's efforts align with Illinois' goal of adding one million EVs by 2030, outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
Strategically placed chargers throughout Bronzeville, including at ICO, support individuals in multi-unit dwellings and contribute to the area's clean energy transformation.
ComEd's initiatives, including rebate programs, aim to catalyse investments in EV infrastructure, particularly in low-income communities, aligning with broader goals of reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy technologies.
