Illinois offers rebates for electric vehicle purchases through two separate state programs

Illinois has two active rebate programs for electric vehicle buyers: the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, and the Illinois EV Charging Rebate for home charging equipment. The vehicle rebate provides a direct payment back to the buyer after purchase, while the charging rebate covers part of the cost to install a Level 2 charger at your home. Both programs reimburse you after you have already paid for the vehicle or equipment, not before.

The vehicle rebate amount depends on the vehicle type and your household income. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have different rebate levels, and income limits explore. The charging rebate is a separate program with its own income thresholds and equipment requirements.

Neither program is automatic. You must submit documentation after your purchase to receive the rebate. The state processes claims in the order they are received, and funding can run out before the end of the calendar year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois EV Rebate Program reimburses vehicle buyers after purchase, with amounts varying by vehicle type and household income.
  • A separate charging rebate covers part of the cost to install a Level 2 home charger, subject to income limits and equipment specifications.
  • You must submit your claim with proof of purchase and vehicle registration to the Illinois Department of Revenue within a set timeframe after buying the vehicle.
  • Both programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may close when funding runs out, even before the end of the year.
  • Income limits explore to both programs, and some vehicle types or price points may not be covered.

Vehicle rebate amounts and income limits

The Illinois EV Rebate Program provides different rebate amounts depending on whether you purchase a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid. Battery electric vehicles generally receive a higher rebate than plug-in hybrids. The exact dollar amount varies and has changed in past years as the program has been updated.

Household income limits determine whether you are within the program's scope. The state sets these limits based on area median income, which means the threshold differs depending on which county you live in. You will need to provide proof of household income when you submit your claim.

Some vehicles may not be covered even if you meet the income requirement. The program typically excludes vehicles above a certain purchase price and may not cover used vehicles, though the rules on used vehicle may be able to access have changed. Check the current program rules on the Illinois Department of Revenue website before you buy, because the rebate is not may provide for every electric vehicle sold in the state.

How to claim the vehicle rebate

To claim the rebate, you must submit a form to the Illinois Department of Revenue along with supporting documents. The required documents typically include your proof of purchase (the sales contract or invoice), proof of vehicle registration in Illinois, and proof of household income. Some programs also require the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the date of purchase.

You must submit your claim within a specific timeframe after purchase—usually within one year, though the exact important date may vary. The state processes claims in the order they are received. Once you submit, the Department of Revenue reviews your documents to confirm you meet the income and vehicle requirements, then issues a rebate check or processes a refund through your tax return, depending on how the program is structured at that time.

Processing times vary. Some claims are approved within a few weeks; others take several months. The state does not issue rebates on a rolling basis if funding runs out—the program straightforward closes until the next budget year or until additional funding is allocated.

Home charging equipment rebate

The Illinois EV Charging Rebate is a separate program that reimburses you for part of the cost to install a Level 2 charger at your home. This rebate covers both the equipment itself and the installation labor. Like the vehicle rebate, it is subject to household income limits that vary by county.

The charger must meet certain technical specifications and be installed by a licensed electrician. You cannot claim the rebate for a charger you install yourself. After installation is complete, you submit an invoice from the installer, proof of payment, and proof of household income to receive the rebate.

This program also operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may close when funding is exhausted. If you are planning to install a charger, check whether the program is currently open before you schedule the installation work.

What happens if the program runs out of funding

Both the vehicle rebate and charging rebate programs are funded through the state budget. When the allocated funding is used up, the program stops accepting new claims until the next budget cycle or until additional money is appropriated. There is no waitlist—if you submit a claim after the program closes, your claim will not be processed.

The timing of when programs close varies year to year depending on how many claims are submitted. In some years, funding lasts through December; in others, it runs out earlier. The Illinois Department of Revenue publishes updates on its website when a program reaches capacity or closes.

If you are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle or installing a charger, check the current status of both programs before you make your purchase or schedule installation. This prevents you from paying out of pocket expecting a rebate that may no longer be available.

Income verification and documentation requirements

Both programs require you to prove your household income falls within the program's limits. Acceptable proof typically includes recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, or other income documentation. The state may ask for documentation from all household members if you are married or live with others whose income counts toward the household total.

You will also need to provide proof that you own the vehicle or have paid for the charging equipment. This means keeping your sales contract, invoice, receipt, and proof of payment. If you financed the vehicle, the sales contract is usually sufficient; you do not need to show proof that the loan is paid off.

Keep copies of everything you submit. The Department of Revenue may request additional documentation if your claim is incomplete or if the information you provided does not match their records. Having copies on hand makes it easier to respond quickly if follow-up is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim the rebate if I bought my electric vehicle before the program started?

No. The rebate only applies to vehicles purchased after the program begins. The start date for each program year is set by the state, and you must have purchased your vehicle on or after that date. Check the Illinois Department of Revenue website for the current program year's start date.

What if I sell my electric vehicle before I receive the rebate?

You can still claim the rebate as long as you were the registered owner at the time of purchase and you meet all other program requirements. The rebate is tied to the original buyer, not to who owns the vehicle when the claim is processed. You will need to provide proof of your original purchase and registration.

Does the vehicle rebate reduce my federal tax credit?

No. The Illinois state rebate and the federal EV tax credit are separate programs. Receiving a state rebate does not affect your ability to claim the federal credit on your tax return, and vice versa. However, you should consult a tax professional if you have questions about how both credits interact with your specific tax situation.

Can I claim the charging rebate if I rent my home?

Most charging rebate programs require you to own the home where the charger is installed. If you rent, you would typically need written permission from your landlord and may face additional requirements. Contact the Illinois Department of Revenue to ask about renter may be able to access, as policies can vary.

What if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, the Department of Revenue will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include income exceeding the limit, missing documentation, or the vehicle not meeting program requirements. You can contact the department to ask about resubmitting if you believe the denial was in error or if you can provide additional documentation.