Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), in partnership with ICF and Walker-Miller Energy Services, has been awarded a contract to support the launch and implementation of Commonwealth Edison’s (ComEd) beneficial electrification programs in Illinois. CSE will implement ComEd’s Business & Public Sector EV Program designed to advance the transition of commercial and public sector fleets to zero-emission cars, trucks and buses in northern Illinois.
The program is part of ComEd’s Beneficial Electrification Plan, an investment strategy to support the adoption of decarbonization technologies that includes a range of rebates for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) and installing charging infrastructure.
“Chicago and northern Illinois residents deserve the opportunity to breathe cleaner air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for future generations,” said Dan Welch, CSE director of commercial vehicle programs. “Working with ComEd to increase the use of zero-emission fleet vehicles will reduce transportation-related pollution, improve air quality across the area and support sustainable mobility.”
How the program works
Some $85 million over two years will fund rebates for light-duty and medium-heavy duty cars, trucks, and school and transit buses for commercial, industrial and public agency uses – with at least 50% of funds directed to fleets located in or primarily servicing low-income and equity investment eligible communities. Rebates range from $5,000-$7,500 for light-duty vehicles to $75,000-$180,000 for heavy-duty trucks and buses.
Because commercial zero-emission trucks and buses typically require longer periods to acquire than light-duty vehicles, CSE designed a two-step rebate process. First, the applicant works directly with an authorized dealer to secure a vehicle voucher reservation. Then, upon approval, the applicant can redeem the voucher at the point of sale. The fleet owner gets the vehicle at a reduced cost, and the dealer is reimbursed when the vehicle is delivered.
ComEd also offers a Make-Ready Rebates program for reimbursing costs related to preparing sites for EV charging infrastructure.
CSE’s role
CSE will design and administer the Business & Public Sector EV Program, specifically for dealers, including ongoing program outreach with vehicle suppliers and fleet operators, technical support, customer service, application processing, quality control and data reporting. CSE will process and manage voucher reservations through its proprietary Caret® platform.
CSE will also create an online dealer portal to serve as a central hub for all EV applicant and supplier education, paperwork management and communications.
Program participants
Partners on ComEd’s broader Beneficial Electrification Plan implementation are ICF, a global consulting and technology services provider with extensive experience in energy, climate, and transportation solutions, and Walker-Miller Energy Services, one of the nation’s largest Black- and woman-owned energy efficiency companies.
ComEd is investing $231 million in promoting equitable access to EVs, reducing EV adoption costs for residential and commercial customers, and accelerating the build-out of a robust EV charging network.
ComEd is the largest electric utility in Illinois and the primary electric provider in Chicago and much of northern Illinois.
