Highland Park Recognized For Completing EV Readiness Program

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park received a bronze electric vehicle ready designation from ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus last week.

The EV Readiness Program analyzes whether a local government has done the groundwork to help make electric vehicles more accessible in communities throughout northern Illinois.

"By learning from each round and improving the program along the way, the Caucus is helping communities like ours turn ambition into action—and laying the groundwork for a robust, equitable EV ecosystem across northern Illinois," Mayor Nancy Rotering said.

Highland Park was also recognized for its participation in ComEd's Fleet Electrification Assessment, which helps communities plan the transition to an all-electric fleet. Going forward, the city is continuing its efforts to reduce vehicle emissions from the city's fleet and promote a zero-emission vehicle purchasing strategy.

"From purchasing electric vehicles for inspectors and other staff use to investing in the increasing capabilities of electric and/or hybrid electric heavy duty machinery, Highland Park is working to lead
the way on sustainable public service vehicles," said Councilmember Tony Blumberg.

ComEd and The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus launched the EV Readiness Program in 2022 to encourage municipalities to accommodate the growing number of EVs in Illinois.

As of today, there are more than 145,000 electric vehicles registered in Illinois, the vast majority of them in northern Illinois. That number is expected to grow with the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act setting a goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.