DuPage municipalities receive 'EV Ready' bronze awards for electric vehicle initiatives
DuPage County municipalities were recognized for their efforts in electric vehicle readiness on June 12, as the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd honored nine northern Illinois communities at an award ceremony in Northbrook. Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, and Woodridge each received the Bronze Designation in the 2026 EV Readiness Program.
According to the announcement, "The program supports municipalities as they prepare for the continued growth of electric vehicles (EVs) through improved local policies, permitting and first-responder readiness." The recognized towns have taken steps to reduce barriers to green energy, streamline charger installations for residents, and support Illinois' clean transportation goals. "These forward-thinking towns are reducing local barriers to green energy, streamlining charger installations for residents, and helping Illinois meet its clean transportation goals. Congratulations to our local leaders for driving sustainable progress!" the email said.
The EV Readiness Program is designed to help communities adapt to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by updating local regulations and ensuring emergency personnel are prepared for EV-related incidents. The recent cohort included nine communities that achieved either Bronze or Silver designation, with DuPage County communities among those honored. More information about the program and the full list of awardees can be found on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus website.
In addition to the awards, DuPage County has installed four public EV charging stations across its campus, including a high-speed DC fast charger. These stations are located at the DuPage Care Center, DuPage County Courthouse, and JTK Administration Building. A baseline fee of $0.20 per kilowatt-hour applies to all charging sessions, and parking spaces are reserved for vehicles actively charging. Further details on charging rules are available in the DuPage County Code of Ordinances.
The county continues to promote sustainability through various initiatives, including public events, educational programs, and infrastructure improvements. These efforts align with broader goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean transportation in the region.