Illinois Energizes First Federally Funded NEVI Fast Chargers in Casey

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program has officially crossed a major milestone in the Land of Lincoln. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) cut the ribbon this week on the state’s very first federally funded EV charging station. Located at a Phillips 66 Mach 1 station in Casey, IL, the new high-speed chargers were energized last week on Illinois 49 near Interstate 70.

The deployment features four new DC fast charging ports operating on the Electrify America network. Capable of delivering up to 350 kW each, these chargers are built to get electric vehicles powered up rapidly. The project was made possible by an $854,641 competitive grant awarded to Phillips 66.

Expanding Rural Infrastructure and Economic Opportunity

According to Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi, bringing high-speed charging to smaller communities serves both a practical and economic purpose.

“These new chargers are an important step forward in making [Governor JB Pritzker’s] EV goals a reality, while creating economic opportunity by connecting Illinois communities to a national network of stations,” Biagi explained. “Some of the strongest interest we’re seeing for EVs charging is coming from rural areas that see the benefit of having travelers stop in their towns to charge up and spend their dollars at local stores and businesses. We look forward to adding many more throughout the state in the weeks and months ahead.”

More NEVI Funding on the Horizon

Alongside the ribbon-cutting ceremony, state officials announced $23.5 million in the latest round of NEVI funding. Dubbed “Round 3,” this funding batch will facilitate the construction of 140 new EV charging ports spread across 29 locations. To ensure high service standards, each selected location will feature at least four DC fast charging ports, designed to get a typical EV back on the road in under 30 minutes.

Looking at the broader rollout, IDOT’s efforts through the first three rounds of NEVI funding have conditionally awarded more than $67 million for 91 charging stations. By the time the overall program wraps up, the state plans to energize a total of 489 public EV charging ports, significantly bolstering highway corridor charging across Illinois.