01.19.24

Durbin, Duckworth Announce Nearly $6 Million to Enhance Electric Vehicle Charging Resiliency

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $5,994,441 through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s Ride and Drive Electric Program for UL Solutions North America to expand its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Laboratory to increase commercial capacity for the testing and certification of high-power EV chargers.

“As we electrify transportation across the country, we must strive to build smarter, faster charging infrastructure that can handle situations like the recent cold snap in Illinois. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combatting the climate crisis is unwavering, and this initiative stands as a testament to that dedication,” said Durbin. “This funding will not only propel UL Solutions to the forefront of electric vehicle charger testing, but also help ensure the United States remains a global leader in sustainable transportation.”

“Investing in our state’s electric vehicle infrastructure will help lead Illinois, and our nation, into a future of equitable, clean transportation,” said Duckworth. “I’m glad this funding will help make electric vehicle use more accessible and reliable for all Illinoisans while also creating good-paying jobs in the clean energy workforce.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Durbin and Duckworth both supported, includes a historic $7.5 billion dedicated investment to build out a national network of EV chargers. As part of this investment, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $300 million to establish a Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to study, plan, coordinate, and implement issues of joint concern between the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Transportation. The Ride and Drive Electric Program aligns with the Joint Office’s mission to provide a modernized and interagency approach to the deployment of zero-emission, convenient, accessible, equitable transportation infrastructure.

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