DECEMBER 2023 - The Village of Carol Stream is thrilled to announce the completion of Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd’s EV Readiness Program! Through this program, we’ve made it faster and easier for our residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. We’ve implemented smart and effective policies to support widespread EV adoption across our community, helping us drive toward a clean energy future.

December 7, 2023 - Carol Stream receives the Bronze designation in the EV Readiness Program

Program History

In December 2022, The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd announced 16 Illinois communities, including Carol Stream, would receive training and assistance in a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness program. Funded in part with a $225,000 commitment from ComEd, the EV Readiness program will help municipalities streamline policies, meet the growing demand for EVs and charging infrastructure, and implement best practices for safe and effective regional transportation electrification.

As part of the program, Carol Stream strove to:

• Review and update relevant zoning requirements;
• Create and distribute a charging station permit process checklist;
• Train staff on permitting and other EV topics;
• Share electric vehicle public education; and
• Track key metrics.

EV Charger Installation Permitting

The Village of Carol Stream is committed to providing exceptional customer service in processing building permits, and that includes permits for EV charging stations. To promote the continued advancement of EV charging installations in our community, we offer the following:

• The EV Charging Station Process Guide with helpful tips for your submittal. 
• The EV Permit Submittal and Plan Review Checklist for EV charging station permitting and inspection processes.
• The EV Charging Station Permit Application for Residential and Commercial Properties.
• EV Charging Station permits can be applied for online, by mail or in person.
• The permit processing time for residential EV charging stations is 3 business days. Please note that the permit process does not start until the permit fee and required plans and documents are received.
• Residential EV charging station permit fees have a flat rate of $64.
• Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Unit Residential EV charging station permit fees are $240, plus the Development Services fee ($6.70 per $1,000 of the cost of construction, minimum $50.00). The minimum EV charging station permit fee is $290.00.
• A EV Charging Station Inspection Checklist is available for review.
• EV Charging Station inspections are performed by a Village Code Professional, and may include an inspector from the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. 
  • Inspections must be scheduled with the Village 24 hours in advance.
  • The inspection is initially scheduled for either an AM or PM timeframe.
  • The individual scheduling the inspection must provide their contact information.
  • Prior to the initial inspection timeframe, the Village will contact the individual who scheduled the inspection to confirm the specific inspection time.

For additional information on EVs and EVCSs, visit the following links:

EV and EVCS Safety Information

Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles - US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center

Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips - FEMA, US Fire Administration 

Illinois Commerce Commision (ICC) EV Charging Station Certified Installers - Vendors that install EV charging stations should be certified by the ICC. (Reference: 220 ILCS 5/16-128A)

EV Charging Station Locations

The US Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator - Find EV charging stations in Carol Stream, Illinois, and across the country.  

Plugshare's Interactive Map - Find publicly available charging stations and download the mobile app. 

Consumer Resources on EVs and EVCSs 

EVs in DuPage County - Video from DuPage County addressing EV purchases at it relates to charging the EV at home, potential electrical upgrades, and permitting. 

US EPA's video on How Plug-In Vehicles Work - Video from the United States Environmental Protection Agency on EVs. 

Find Used EVs 

PlugStar EV Shopping Assistant

Electric Vehicles for Consumers - Information from the US DoE, Alternative Fuels Data Center

Register your EV with ComEd to help the utility assess your electric service needs. 

Find the right electric rate. 

Grants and Rebates

Illinois EPA EV Vehicle Rebate Program - Rebate information when purchasing an EV.

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.

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.

EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program - ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV battery 6 to 8 times faster than charging from a wall outlet, often referred to as a Level 1 charger.

Learn more about EVs

ComEd's EV Smart Page - Provides information and resources on owning an EV. 

Plug In America - Provides additional information on EVs.

All-Electric Vehicles - Provides information from fueleconomy.gov - the official US Government source for fuel economy information. 

Drive Electric - Provides information from the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. 

Drive Electric Illinois

Explaining Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles - Provides information from the US EPA.

Green Vehicle Guide - Provides additional information from the US EPA. 

Please note Parking Regulations per Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)

A person may park only an electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station space designated for use by electric vehicles.