The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) cut the ribbon on the state’s first federally-funded EV charging station this week, after energizing new high-speed chargers at a Phillips 66 Mach 1 station in Casey, IL.

The first chargers funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in Illinois were electrified last week at a Mach 1 station on Illinois 49 near Interstate 70 in Casey, IL.

The four new DC fast charging ports are operating on the Electrify America network, and are capable of delivering up to 350 kW each. Their deployment was made possible through a $854,641 competitive grant awarded to Phillips 66.

“These new chargers are an important step forward in making [Governor JB Pritzker’s] EV goals a reality, while creating economic opportunity by connecting Illinois communities to a national network of stations,” explained Transportation Secretary, Gia Biagi. “Some of the strongest interest we’re seeing for EVs charging is coming from rural areas that see the benefit of having travelers stop in their towns to charge up and spend their dollars at local stores and businesses. We look forward to adding many more throughout the state in the weeks and months ahead.”