Illinois Becomes a Leader for Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch applauded Governor JB Pritzker for signing the Reimaging Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law this week. The incentives package will benefit the entire state and provide a boost in the EV manufacturing industry to meet the goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

"With the REV legislation, Illinois is a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing as well as a clean energy economy," said Speaker Welch. "In addition to fighting the urgent and dire issue of climate change, we are ensuring that Illinois becomes a hub for the economic benefits of a green energy future."

This legislation includes tax credits for income tax withholding, tax exemptions, investment credits and training costs for EV businesses that choose to build or expand in Illinois. These credits range from 75% to 100% of income tax withheld for creating new jobs or 25% to 50% for retained employees.

"With more automakers beginning to transition towards creating electric vehicles, there has never been a better time to take advantage of this trend and make Illinois a nationwide leader in electric vehicle manufacturing," said Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford), the chief House sponsor. "Not only does this legislation give companies the resources they need to make and keep their manufacturing plants in Illinois, it also ensures that we are creating thousands of high-paying jobs to the Rockford area and potentially bringing billions of dollars into our economy."

In addition to promoting business growth in Illinois, REV also prioritizes creating opportunities for historically underserved communities. The legislation provides incentives for employers who locate new facilities in communities that have been marginalized and left out of investment. Vendors will also participate in diversity reporting, diverse hiring plans and workforce diversity reporting.

"Illinois is on the precipice of being the electric vehicle hub of the Midwest and the country," said Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside). "I was proud to co-sponsor the REV tax credit to create a new generation of jobs for Illinoisans. I congratulate Representative Vella and Senator Steve Stadelman for this accomplishment and thank Governor Pritzker and his team for their leadership."

With the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act both signed into law, the state maintains its position as a leader in the clean energy sector. To learn more about the REV Program, please visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website here.