Exelon Corp's ComEd Drives Electric Vehicle Readiness in Northern Illinois

In a significant advancement towards sustainability, Exelon Corporation's subsidiary, ComEd, has announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its groundbreaking Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Program. This initiative, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, aims to prepare local communities in northern Illinois for the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure. The newly inducted cohort comprises 16 local organizations, which will benefit from targeted technical assistance designed to streamline policies and implement best practices for effective transportation electrification.

The fourth cohort, which represents a diverse array of municipalities, includes:

These communities will work towards establishing effective policies and educational programs that promote EV adoption and infrastructure development.

Ajit Apte, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations at ComEd, emphasized the program's importance: “The EV Readiness Program provides cities and counties across the region with critical resources needed to support EV growth within their communities. EVs are helping customers save money on fuel and maintenance while lowering emissions to help save the planet.” The initiative is not just about infrastructure; it also aims to educate the public about the financial and environmental benefits associated with electric vehicles.

Communities participating in the EV Readiness Program will pursue a pathway toward achieving a Bronze, Silver, or Gold designation based on their actions related to EV adoption and infrastructure. Notably, several municipalities from previous cohorts are eager to “level up” to a higher designation, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement.

Since its inception in 2022, the program has successfully prepared 38 local governments, with this latest cohort bringing the total to over 50 communities in northern Illinois planning for a cleaner energy future. With more than 152,000 EVs currently on Illinois roads, the initiative aligns with the state’s ambitious Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2030.

Kevin Burns, Mayor of the City of Geneva and Chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment and Energy Committee, remarked on the program’s innovation: “The EV Readiness Program is the first of its kind in the nation and shows that local governments can be powerful innovators.” This sentiment was echoed by Gary Grasso, Mayor of Burr Ridge, who noted the collaboration’s role in enhancing access to reliable charging infrastructure for residents.

Amber Kubiak, Village President of Pingree Grove, articulated the practical benefits of the program, highlighting the importance of training first responders and ensuring safe permitting and inspection practices to prepare for EV demand.

The fourth cohort is expected to achieve EV readiness status by the summer of 2026. Training initiatives will include specialized programs for first responders, conducted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, ensuring public safety as EV adoption continues to rise.

Andrew Goczkowski, Mayor of Des Plaines, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the cohort kickoff meeting, emphasizing the importance of the EV Readiness Program in achieving sustainability goals for the community.

ComEd is making significant investments to support the transition to electric vehicles, including a series of rebate programs launched in 2024. These initiatives have awarded over $100 million in rebates to residential, business, and public sector customers to expand EV usage and infrastructure. Notably, more than 50% of funding is reserved for equity investment-eligible communities and low-income customers.

The EV Readiness Program has garnered considerable recognition, recently winning the Innovative Community Program/Special Project Award from the Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants (IAMMA) and being named a Top 100 Finalist for the Chicago Innovation Awards.

As the EV landscape continues to evolve, communities interested in joining future cohorts can add their names to a waitlist, further solidifying the collaborative commitment to sustainable transportation solutions in northern Illinois.

For more information on the benefits of electric vehicles and ComEd’s support for electrification projects, communities and customers are encouraged to visit ComEd’s dedicated EV webpage.