Illinois Opens 40 New EV Charging Stations Statewide

Electric vehicle drivers in Illinois just got a lot more freedom on the road. Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the opening of five new charging sites this week, adding 40 fast-charging bays across the state.

The new stations are part of IONNA, a charging network created by eight major car manufacturers working together to solve one of EV driving's biggest headaches: finding a place to charge. These aren't hidden in random parking lots either. The charging bays sit at familiar roadside stops like gas stations, making them easy to find during road trips.

Pontiac Mayor Kelly Eckhoff sees the new station as more than just a convenience for drivers. She says it will attract travelers who might stay longer in town, bringing fresh revenue to local businesses while preparing her community for the transportation shifts ahead.

The numbers tell an even bigger story. Illinois added 411 charging stations throughout 2025, bringing the statewide total to approximately 2,300 fast-charging ports. That's a massive jump in infrastructure that makes electric vehicle ownership more practical for thousands of residents.

IONNA now operates five of these "rechargeries" in Illinois, with six more already contracted or scheduled to open soon. The partnership between eight automakers shows how competition can take a backseat when solving problems that benefit everyone.

The Ripple Effect

This charging network expansion does more than help current EV owners. It removes a major barrier for people considering the switch from gas to electric. Range anxiety, the fear of running out of charge far from home, keeps many buyers in traditional vehicles even when they're curious about going electric.

Local economies stand to benefit too. Every charging session takes 20 to 40 minutes, time that travelers often spend grabbing coffee, eating lunch, or browsing nearby shops. Small towns along major routes could see new foot traffic as charging stations become regular pit stops.

The collaborative approach between competing automakers sets a promising precedent. When companies work together on shared infrastructure, everyone wins: manufacturers get more confident buyers, drivers get reliable networks, and communities get economic opportunities.

Illinois is proving that the electric vehicle future doesn't have to arrive slowly. With smart partnerships and strategic placement, charging networks can grow fast enough to meet rising demand.

The road ahead for electric vehicles in Illinois just got a whole lot smoother.