Illinois taxpayers to pay $17.9 million to subsidize electric vehicle purchases

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced start of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program with a $4,000 taxpayer-funded rebate.

The race is on for Illinois consumers looking to get a $4,000 taxpayer-funded rebate for buying an electric vehicle.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration announced the start of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program that brings about a $4,000 taxpayer-funded rebate for consumers who buy an electric car and a $1,500 rebate for electric motorcycles.

The program is a part of a $17.9 million taxpayer-funded plan to pay for rebates on electric vehicle purchases. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30. Applications are available at a state website.

Pritzker discussed his plans for EV in Illinois during his state budget address in February.

"We want to make it less expensive for consumers to buy and drive an electric vehicle," Pritzker said. "We will be offering $4,000 rebates to consumers and incentivizing the build-out of charging stations state-wide."

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said the governor is focusing on the wrong issues.

"Instead of talking about real relief and reducing our energy costs here in Illinois, we're looking at increases of up to $600 for Ameren customers," Neimerg told The Center Square. "We are now energy dependent on other states and I think we are going in the wrong direction."