EV chargers coming to Illinois State Parks

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is bringing free electric vehicle charging stations to its state parks.

The first four charging stations have been installed at Frank Holten State Park in East St. Louis; Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area near Carlyle; Washington County State Recreation Area near Nashville; and Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County.

An additional 40 installations are planned across Illinois state parks, historic sites, beaches, and museums across the state, including Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, Giant City State Park in Jackson County, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area in Dekalb County, William Powers State Recreation Area in Cook County, and more.

An Illinois company called EVBox donated the chargers to the IDNR. The EVBox charger is manufactured in Libertyville , and those to be installed are Level 2 chargers that can typically refill a EV battery in around 8 hours.

Gov. JB Pritzker made the announcement Thursday at the Frank Holten State Park in Cahokia Heights.

“I am proud to announce that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has installed the first set of electric vehicle charging stations at four Illinois state parks with the help of our partners at EVBox,” said Pritzker. “This is a milestone that brings us closer to reaching our ambitious goals of encouraging a reduction in fossil fuel emissions, advancing further electric vehicle adoption by making charging more convenient, and making it easier for people to explore all that our incredible state parks have to offer.”

Representatives said the Level 2 chargers will add range to EVs while visitors explore the trails, lakes, and amenities of the parks, and will be provided free-of-charge.

The plan is part of Illinois’ effort to reach 100% clean energy by 2050.

In addition, the Illinois Office of Tourism has released a series of videos, titled “ Illinois Recharged: Real Stories on Route 66 ,” co-produced by Illinois-based EV manufacturer Rivian, which highlights the businesses and stories along the historic “Mother Road.”

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