Illinois: Electric Bike Rebate Program

The Illinois Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program is a key initiative designed to promote the adoption of electric vehicles among Illinois residents. This program, established under the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), offers financial incentives to individuals who purchase new or used all-electric vehicles from licensed Illinois dealers. By reducing the upfront cost of electric vehicles, the program aims to make EV ownership more accessible, support environmental sustainability, and contribute to the state’s goal of having one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. This methodology provides a comprehensive overview of the rebate process, detailing the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and key requirements to ensure that all stakeholders can effectively navigate the program and maximize its benefits.

Illinois Electric Bike Rebate Program Guidelines

The Illinois Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program is designed to promote the adoption of electric vehicles by offering financial incentives to residents of Illinois. This initiative is part of the broader Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the transition to clean energy. Below are the detailed guidelines for the Illinois EV Rebate Program based on official sources and recent research.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Illinois EV Rebate, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Illinois at the time of vehicle purchase and when the rebate is issued.
• Purchase Location: The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer located in Illinois and licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State. Vehicles purchased out of state or through private sales do not qualify.
• Vehicle Type: Only new or used all-electric vehicles and motorcycles are eligible. Plug-in hybrids and off-road vehicles do not qualify. The vehicle must be exclusively powered by electricity and licensed for public roadways.
• Ownership Duration: The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately following the purchase date.
• Application Timing: The rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of the vehicle purchase date during an open rebate cycle.
• Previous Rebates: The vehicle must not have been the subject of a previous rebate under this program. Only one rebate is allowed per individual in any 10-year period.

2. Rebate Amounts

The rebate amounts are as follows:

• $4,000 for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle (not an electric motorcycle).
• $1,500 for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle.

These amounts cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.

3. Application Process

The application process involves several key steps:

• Documentation: Applicants must submit a completed application form along with the following documents:
  • Proof of Illinois residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill).
  • Bill of sale, purchase invoice, or purchase agreement from an Illinois dealership.
  • Proof of purchase showing no remaining balance (e.g., canceled check, payment receipt).
  • Copy of the ebike registration or temporary permit provided by the dealership.
  • IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) or IRS Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting).
• Submission Method: Applications must be postmarked within 90 days of the ebike purchase date and sent to the Illinois EPA during an open rebate cycle. The Illinois EPA’s website provides specific submission details and forms.
• Review and Processing: The Illinois EPA reviews applications for completeness and eligibility. Incomplete or ineligible applications will receive a denial letter specifying the reasons and instructions for correction or appeal.

4. Appeals Process

If an application is denied, applicants can appeal the decision. The appeal must:

• Be postmarked within 30 days of the denial notification.
• Include a detailed explanation of how the Illinois EPA misapplied program rules.
• Be directed to the Director of the Illinois EPA, who can only reverse a decision if the rules were misapplied. Personal circumstances not addressed by the program rules cannot be considered.

5. Funding and Prioritization

• Funding Limits: The Illinois General Assembly allocates funds for the rebate program annually. For Fiscal Year 2024, $12 million has been appropriated. Applications are processed in the order received, with priority given to low-income applicants.
• Low-Income Priority: Low-income applicants, defined as individuals whose income does not exceed 80% of the state median income, are given priority in the application process. Detailed income thresholds are provided in the application instructions.

6. Program Impact and Future Cycles

The program’s impact is monitored through the number of applications received and rebates awarded. Fiscal Year 2023 saw significant participation, with thousands of rebates issued to both low-income and non-low-income applicants.

Future funding cycles will be announced based on the availability of funds. Interested applicants are encouraged to sign up for updates via the Illinois EPA’s EV Listserv to stay informed about upcoming rebate opportunities.

The visualizations above provide a summary of the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Here are some key points:

1. Low Income Applications and Rebates:
   • In FY 2023, 754 applications were received and 535 rebates were awarded.
   • In FY 2024, 803 applications were received and 622 rebates were awarded.
2. Non-Low Income Applications and Rebates:
   • In FY 2023, 6915 applications were received and 4337 rebates were awarded.
   • In FY 2024, 4784 applications were received and 2235 rebates were awarded.
3. Low Income Rebate Success Rate:
   • The success rate increased from 71% in FY 2023 to 77% in FY 2024.
4. Non-Low Income Rebate Success Rate:
   • The success rate decreased from 63% in FY 2023 to 47% in FY 2024.