DeKalb Times

The state of Illinois is working to make electric vehicles (EV) accessible for residents through its EV Rebate Program.

“We’ve already seen the benefits locally in jobs, business growth and (for the first time in memory) property taxes going down in the city of DeKalb,” Representative Jeff Keicher wrote on Facebook. “This EV credit will continue to reward expanding this high-tech manufacturing sector and bring the jobs I hear from my constituents expect us to bring to Illinois.”

Illinoisans who buy an EV could see between $1,500 to $4,000 rebates if they apply for the program.

In his Facebook post, Keicher shared a link to a Pantagraph article, which included a video of T/CCI Manufacturing receiving the first tax incentive package under the Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) Act.

This event happened on Monday, September 6.

“My administration understands that the clean energy transition is only as effective as it is accessible,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a release. “From these $4,000 rebates to our workforce development programs to help coal communities move into clean energy jobs, we are laser-focused on making Illinois a leader in addressing climate change and ensuring no community is left behind.”

T/CCI president Richard Demirjian spoke at this press conference. Here's some of what he had to say:

“We’re proud to offer one of the first American-made electric compressors and the industry's most (extensive) range of capacity from 2 kilowatts to 30 kW and 24 volts to 850 volts surviving innovative solutions for automotive and heavy-duty applications our partners at Navistar are also here with us supporting this effort on the road to zero emissions,” Demirjian said. “We’re excited to announce the first company in Illinois to be part of the reimagining electric vehicles in Illinois tax credit program with our $20 million capital investment retention of 103 jobs and (the) creation of more than 50 new jobs.

“Additionally, rebuild Illinois has granted 15.3 million to Richland Community College and six million to the city of Decatur to help revitalize manufacturing accelerate electrification and bring a new model for public-private partnerships working side by side we will develop a 3-tiered facility including a premier electric-vehicle component manufacturing facility, a climatic Center for innovation and research and even advanced engineering, and software technology training Academy together we will create a one-of-a-kind of immersive experience at our headquarters in Decatur, IL and is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2024 it starts with the premier electric vehicle component manufacturing facility as a cornerstone of our operations which will bolster Illinois manufacturing and grow the capacity for made in American Electric field parts production.”

To learn more about the application for the rebates, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s webpage.

Keicher was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations-Higher Education and Immigration & Human Rights Committee. According to the Illinois House, Keicher is a state representative who resides in DeKale.