The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has introduced a new Clean Trucks Program combining technical assistance and financial incentives to help commercial fleet operators replace older diesel trucks with fully electric vehicles. The initiative includes $3 million for a Clean Fleet and Freight Concierge Service and approximately $935,220 in funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
The programme is intended to address two barriers to commercial vehicle electrification: the upfront cost of purchasing electric trucks and the technical requirements involved in transitioning fleet operations away from diesel.
Technical Assistance for Small and Medium-Sized Fleets
Through the Clean Fleet and Freight Concierge Service, Illinois EPA plans to provide fleet operators with guidance on evaluating and implementing electric vehicle adoption. The agency is seeking qualified organisations to deliver the service to small and medium-sized fleets across northern and southern Illinois.
The two service regions correspond primarily to areas covered by the PJM and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) electricity grids.
Illinois EPA Director James Jennings said the programme would help businesses assess electrification options while supporting the state’s environmental objectives.
“Illinois EPA is committed to giving our state’s fleet operators the tools, guidance, and financial assistance they need to meet their logistical objectives while furthering the state’s climate goals,” Jennings said.
He added that the service would assist businesses that are interested in switching from diesel but need additional information before making investment decisions.
“The Clean Trucks Program will provide individualised support to fleets that may be interested in transitioning from diesel to electric but aren’t sure where to start. With this program, Illinois EPA will help ensure that every fleet operator, regardless of size, has access to credible information and technical assistance to help them lower emissions, reduce fuel costs, and strengthen Illinois’ clean transportation future.”
Funding Covers Up to 45% of Electric Truck Replacement Costs
The programme’s financial assistance component will provide $935,220 to help eligible Illinois fleet operators replace diesel-powered Class 5–8 trucks with fully electric alternatives.
Under the published Notice of Funding Opportunity, grants can cover up to 45% of eligible replacement costs. The funding is intended to reduce the initial investment required for businesses transitioning to electric freight vehicles.
Separately, Illinois is making up to $18 million available through the ninth round of funding associated with Volkswagen’s diesel emissions settlement. This allocation supports all-electric Class 4–8 local freight trucks.
The funding forms part of the settlement following the Volkswagen Dieselgate emissions scandal. Application details and the relevant funding announcement are available through the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal.
State Expands Public Charging Information
Alongside financial support, Illinois has funded an interactive map showing more than 450 public EV charging stations available to electric truck drivers.
The database includes charging locations supported by the Illinois EPA’s Driving a Cleaner Illinois programme and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme.
Users can filter the locations by charging level, including Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast-charging equipment, as well as by site type. The resource is intended to help fleet operators identify available charging infrastructure when assessing routes and operational requirements.
Illinois Continues Commercial Transport Electrification Efforts
The Clean Trucks Program adds to Illinois’ broader efforts to reduce emissions from road transportation and expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
The state’s initiatives include support for charging station deployment and financial assistance for commercial vehicle replacement. Illinois has also been among the states involved in federal disputes over funding for EV charging infrastructure.
Illinois Reopens EV Rebate Program With Up to $4,000 in Incentives
In 2025, a district judge in Seattle ruled that the Trump administration must release funds previously withheld for EV charging station construction in 14 states, including Illinois, California, New York and Washington.
Through its latest programme, Illinois is combining fleet-specific technical guidance, truck replacement incentives and charging network information to support the transition of commercial freight operations to electric vehicles.