350Green, 7-Eleven, Governor Pat Quinn and envoys from the Illinois Tollway declared that the largest and the most advanced network of fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations are now available in the US. The project will endorse the use of EVs and generate jobs in sustainable transportation.
This initiative is part of Governor Quinn’s dedication to promote green measures in Illinois. Through the new fast-charging stations, motorists can now charge their EVs within half an hour. The EV charging stations are situated at 7-Eleven sites at 4 Tollway Oasis locations, which will be expanded to 7 Tollway Oasis locations.
Governor Quinn stated that the largest network of fast-charging stations will allow Illinois to create jobs and offer low-cost and eco-friendly options to travelers.
About 26 fast-charging stations have been installed under the Chicago-Area EV Infrastructure Project. In total, 73 fast-chargers have been planned. JNS Power & Control Systems performed the installation work and 350Green supervised the project.
Kristi Lafleur, Illinois Tollway Executive Director, stated that the Tollway is dedicated to green technology and support environmental sustainability. This initiative will ensure that EV drivers have an easy access to electricity.
Overall, 280 charging stations will be installed, which will be managed by the Chicago city to boost accessibility to EV charging. A budget of $8.8 million has been earmarked for the project which includes $6.9 million in private investment and $1.9 million in public funding. High-traffic areas and dense population areas are being fitted with EV stations.
Co-Founder and CEO of 350Green, Mariana Gerzanych commented that the Illinois state and the Chicago city now have the largest EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.
Collaborations with 7-Eleven contributed to the rollout of the fast-charging network across the state.