Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate

About the Rebate Program

The third Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate cycle will open on Nov. 1 and run through January 31, 2024. The state is offering a rebate of up to $4,000 for all-electric vehicle purchases by Illinois residents (there is also a $1,500 rebate for all-electric motorcycle purchases). 

This rebate was first made possible because of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims to reduce carbon emissions and reach a goal of 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030.

Important: Rebates are subject to the availability of funds in each cycle. Applications are processed in the order they are received, with lower-income applicants receiving priority. So it’s best to submit yours as soon as possible once the cycle opens on Nov. 1.

In order to qualify for the rebate, you must:

  • Live in Illinois at the time of purchase of the vehicle and when the rebate is issued.
  • Apply within 90-days of vehicle purchase. (That means if you bought an eligible vehicle on Aug. 3, you could still apply for the rebate if the completed application is postmarked on the first day of the funding cycle on Nov. 1, according to the state’s Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Purchase from a licensed Illinois dealer. Rented or leased vehicles are not eligible.
  • Retain ownership of the vehicle for at least a year after the purchase date.

The application and instructions will be posted on this Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) page on Oct. 18. This gives interested car-buyers two weeks to gather the required documents. 

Documents you’ll have to submit include:

  • Copy of the bill of sale, purchase invoice or agreement from an Illinois dealership;
  • Proof of purchase showing no remaining balance exists (ex. Canceled check);
  • Copy of the vehicle registration or temporary permit provided by the dealership;
  • IRS W-9 or W-8 form

A great resource for more information on the program is the Illinois EPA program website. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for their EV Listserv.)

Helpful Resources

  • CUB EV Buyer’s Handbook– CUB’s consumer guide is designed to help you decide whether an electric vehicle is the right choice for your needs. 
  • CUB’s EV Calculator– See how much you could save by switching to an EV.
  • Alternative Fuels Data Center: Electricity– A consumer guide to switching away from traditional gas-fueled vehicles, courtesy of the Department of Energy.
  • PlugStar– A shopping assistant from Plug In America for buying your electric vehicle through local EV dealers and retailers. This website has a tool to help estimate your incentives, costs, and environmental impact by location. 
  • PlugShare– An interactive trip planner of electric vehicle charging stations worldwide compiled and updated by the world’s largest EV driver community. This website is also available as a free app for your smartphone (iOS and Android).