Aurora's EV Readiness

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Commitment To EV Readiness

Aurora is preparing for the expected increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations by participating in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program. We are reducing barriers to EV infrastructure investment and making it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. Aurora has also pulled together information from many sources to help you learn about EVs and EV charging stations, decide if they are right for you, and move through the EV charger permitting and installation process.

Our community’s EV readiness goals can be found in our Sustainability Plan. To read more about our commitment to EV readiness, please read our official Letter of Commitment to EVR. 

Policies and Processes

Aurora is committed to exceptional customer service for applicants who wish to install EV charging stations. To promote the continued advancement of EV infrastructure and the increase in EVs, we will:

  • Provide clear guidelines about the EV charging station permitting and inspection process in our permitting checklist
  • Use an EV charging station specific permit application and posting these approval requirements online
  • Process EV charging station applications within x days 
  • Complete EV charging station inspections within x days after the installation/request for an inspection.
  • Provide a list of Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) certified EV charging station installers. 

Electric Vehicles

All-electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity only. They are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs. To learn more about how electric vehicles work, watch this video explanation from the U.S. EPA.

Benefits of EVs

EVs have several advantages over conventional vehicles:

  • Energy efficient. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
  • Lower emissions. In Aurora, greenhouse gas emissions caused by on-road transportation account for 38% of total emissions. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, which makes them a cleaner option to operate compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable energy.
  • Improved air quality. Lower emissions lead to better local air quality.
  • Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration.
  • Reduced maintenance costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, and other common maintenance services needed for traditional vehicles.
  • Reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.

Finding Public Charging

Publicly available charging stations can easily be located using PlugShare’s interactive map, by downloading the free PlugShare app, or by using the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

In Aurora, there are 17, level 2 and DC fast charging stations available for public use. Charging at these stations has an associated cost of use. Please contact the providing vendors for more information. Some local businesses have also installed charging stations available for use by their customers.

Click on the below image for an interactive and updated view of Aurora's EV charging stations.

EV Charging GIS Map Opens in new window

Parking Regulations at EV Charging Stations

A person may park only an electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles. Unauthorized use of EV-only parking by non-EVs at both public and private properties is prohibited.

Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)

For EV Owners

Consumer Resources

Drivers are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). To learn more about EVs and if switching to electric is right for you, use these helpful resources:

National Drive Electric Week – Events offer ride and drives, the opportunity to talk to EV drivers, and the chance to see a variety of electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Annual events are hosted nationwide in the fall and also around Earth Day in April. 

Rebates and Incentives

  • Federal Tax Credit for Vehicles: Use the federal government’s federal tax credit tool to learn about the credit amount available for various EV makes and models. The maximum credit is $7,500 for new vehicles and up to $4,000 for used vehicles.
  • New and Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credits, Energy Saver webpage – This Department of Energy webpage describes the new and previously owned clean vehicle tax credits. The page includes a checklist to determine if a vehicle is eligible for either credit. You may also want to contact a tax professional.
  • Illinois EV Rebate Program: A rebate application cycle is not currently open. When funding is available, residents may apply for a $4,000 rebate on a new or used all-electric vehicle. Purchasers must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 90 days of vehicle purchase.
  • Federal Tax Credit for EV Charging Equipment – Residents who purchase qualified residential charging equipment may receive a tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1,000. Find out more at the above website, or consult a tax professional.

For other updates on incentives, please visit:

Safety Information

Additional Resources