Illinois will reopen its electric vehicle rebate program on 1 August, offering eligible residents up to US$4,000 toward the purchase of a new or used battery-electric vehicle.
The latest funding round includes US$14 million allocated by the Illinois General Assembly for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with lower-income households continuing to receive priority support.
Rebate Program Opens in August
The rebate program will accept applications from 1 August through 31 December 2026.
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While US$14 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year ending 30 June 2027, the number of rebates awarded will depend on the remaining balance of the state’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund.
The program provides incentives for eligible new and used battery-electric vehicles as well as electric motorcycles while funding remains available.
Up to US$4,000 Available
Purchasers of qualifying battery-electric vehicles can receive a rebate of US$2,000.
Applicants meeting the state’s low-income eligibility requirements can receive an additional US$2,000, increasing the maximum incentive to US$4,000.
Eligible electric motorcycle purchases remain entitled to rebates of US$1,500.
Vehicles with a purchase price of up to US$80,000 qualify under the program.
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Applicants must submit rebate applications within 180 days of purchasing an eligible vehicle, provided the application is filed during the official program window.
Applications submitted before 1 August or after 31 December 2026 will not be considered.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is available only to Illinois residents whose household income does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty level.
Eligible vehicles must be purchased from a dealership licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State and cannot be leased.
The state said supporting lower-income households remains a central objective of the rebate program.
Previous Funding Round
During the previous application period, which ran from 28 October 2025 through 31 May 2026, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency received 3,499 applications.
The agency approved 3,001 rebates, including 1,658 awarded to low-income applicants.
Updated application forms and guidance documents have been released ahead of the new funding round, and the Illinois EPA advises applicants to use the revised paperwork.
Illinois EPA Director James Jennings said the program continues to support the adoption of zero-emission transportation.
“Illinois continues to see an increase in electric vehicles registered within the state, and many of those have been recipients of an Illinois EPA EV Rebate.”
He added:
“This incentive programme continues to encourage residents to adopt zero-emission transportation for the benefit of Illinois’ environment.”
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