SPRINGFIELD – Building on the state’s promise to become a green energy leader while creating thousands of jobs, Senate Democrats applauded the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act.

"This gives Illinois the ability to compete on a global stage to bring next generation electric vehicle jobs and investments to communities across our great state," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

The REV Act provides financial incentives to electric vehicle manufacturers, which is projected to bring external investments to the state. Further, it will uplift both underserved communities and energy transition areas, ensuring that all regions of Illinois benefit from the production and distribution of electric vehicles.

 “This growing field indicates room for job growth in the electric vehicle market,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Illinois is working to encourage electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to keep and bring their production facilities here. That will lead to good paying jobs in Northern Illinois and across the state.”

The law provides substantial opportunities for economic growth and will make Illinois a major competitor in the electric vehicle field on a national and global stage. To assist automakers to prepare their workforce for the shift to electric vehicle production, the law also provides tax credit incentives to help with training costs.

"Illinois is moving toward a sustainable economy—one that meets the needs of job creation and clean energy for our residents," said State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey). "Implementing this policy will not only help our state meet its clean energy goals, but it will also promote the creation of family-sustaining jobs."

The signing of the REV Act immediately sets the tone for becoming a green state and a leader in electric vehicle production. Illinois currently ranks ninth in the nation for auto production, employing more than 30,000 people. The state is already home to more than 5,000 workers in the electronic transportation industry, and these numbers are expected to double in the next two years alone.

“The REV Act invests in both job creators and working people across Illinois to make us a nationwide leader in the electric vehicle industry,” said State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Covering training costs for new hires and protecting living wages for current employees will provide a foundation for working people to build long-term careers in a growing industry.”

House Bill 1769 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.