Illinois Incentives and Laws for HEVs / PHEVs

The list below contains summaries of all Illinois incentives and laws related to HEVs / PHEVs.

State Incentives

Clean Diesel Retrofit and Idle Reduction Grants

The Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program (Program) provides funding for the installation of diesel oxidation catalysts, closed crankcase ventilation systems, particulate matter filters, and anti-idling equipment, including direct-fired heaters and auxiliary power units. In addition, funding may be available for diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The Program is part of the Illinois Green Fleets Initiative and targets school buses, shuttle buses, diesel vehicles operating in residential areas, and over-the-road trucks located and spending significant driving time in Illinois.

High Occupancy Toll Lane Access

Phase Two of the Illinois Tollway Congestion-Relief Program (PDF 840 KB) includes a Dedicated Green Lanes Plan that will provide access to qualified hybrid electric vehicles at premium prices. The conversion is scheduled to begin in 2010. Download Adobe Reader

Laws and Regulations

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition Goals

To help achieve the statewide goal of reducing petroleum use by 20% by July 1, 2012, as compared to 2008 levels, Illinois state agencies must work towards meeting the following goals:

• By July 1, 2015, at least 20% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and 5% must be battery electric vehicles (EVs);
• By July 1, 2025, at least 60% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be HEVs and 15% must be EVs;

Agencies that operate medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must implement strategies to reduce fuel consumption through diesel emission control devices, HEV and EVs technologies, alternative fuel use, and fuel efficient technologies. Agencies must also implement strategies to promote the use of biofuels in state vehicles; reduce the environmental impacts of employee travel; and encourage employees to adopt alternative travel methods, such as carpooling.

(Reference Executive Order 11, 2009 (PDF 260 KB)) Download Adobe Reader

Alternative Fuel Promotion

The Alternate Fuels Commission (Commission) was established within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to identify and recommend strategies to the governor and General Assembly for implementing and promoting the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The Commission will also identify ways to improve stakeholder communication and coordination regarding the research and promotion of alternative fuels. (Reference House Bill 4245, 2009, and 415 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/23)

Advanced Vehicle Acquisition and Biodiesel Fuel Use Requirement

All gasoline-powered vehicles purchased from state funds must be flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) or fuel efficient hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). FFVs are defined as automobiles or light trucks that operate on either gasoline or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). Fuel efficient HEVs are defined as automobiles or light trucks that use a gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor to provide power and gain at least a 20% increase in combined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency city-highway fuel economy over the equivalent or most-similar conventionally-powered model. Furthermore, any vehicle purchased from state funds that is fueled by diesel fuel must be certified by the manufacturer to run on 5% biodiesel (B5) fuel. The Chief Procurement Officer is permitted to determine that certain vehicle procurements are exempt from these requirements based on intended use or other reasonable considerations such as health and safety of Illinois citizens. (Reference 30 Illinois Compiled Statutes 500/25-75)