The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced revisions to its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, incorporating changes from 2025 legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly.

The updates include a revised definition of low-income applicants, now encompassing individuals and families with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the regional or county median income for the current state fiscal year, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Illinois Income Limits by metropolitan area and county. Additionally, the timeframe for submitting applications following vehicle purchase has been extended to 180 days, an increase from the previous 90 days. All applications must be submitted during an open application period.

The next application cycle will commence on October 28, 2025, and conclude on January 31, 2026. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility criteria require the vehicle to be a new or used all-electric model legally operable on public roadways, purchased—not leased—from an Illinois Secretary of State-licensed dealership. Applicants must be Illinois residents, retain ownership for at least 12 consecutive months post-purchase, and not have received a prior rebate under the program. One rebate is permitted per individual.

Further details, including full program requirements under the EV Rebate Act, are available on the Illinois EPA’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage. Inquiries may be directed to EPA.EV@illinois.gov, and updates can be received by subscribing to the EV Listserv on the program’s site. https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/ceja/electric-vehicle-rebates.html