EV Charging Costs in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Chicago is a high-utilization urban EV market where charging economics depend as much on parking pattern as on electricity price. Drivers with reliable overnight Level 2 access usually achieve stable monthly costs, while those relying on frequent public DC charging see wider cost swings. In practical planning, the biggest gain comes from matching commute rhythm and parking access to a repeatable charging schedule.
Primary utility: ComEd
Rate: $0.18/kWh
TOU available: Yes
EV rebate: $750.00
Chicago: $0.18/kWh
Illinois average: $0.17/kWh
National average: $0.18/kWh
Monthly Charging Costs in Chicago
| Vehicle | Monthly Cost (1,000 mi) | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $47.37 | View vehicle -> |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $85.71 | View vehicle -> |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $45.00 | View vehicle -> |
EV Charging Stations in Chicago
Total
326
Level 2
837
DC Fast
269
Density
12/100k
Available networks in Chicago:
ChargePoint
ChargePoint
Chicago, IL
6.3 miles away
eVgo
EVgo
Chicago, IL
5.4 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 3
Public Network
Chicago, IL
4.2 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 4
Public Network
Chicago, IL
4.9 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 5
Public Network
Chicago, IL
4.7 miles away
Map shows public charging station search results across Chicago.
Chicago Local Charging Insights
In Chicago, charging cost control is mostly an operations problem: where you park, when you charge, and how often you need fast charging.
- ComEd territory dynamics and TOU-style behavior can materially improve annual charging cost when drivers shift routine sessions to lower-demand hours.
- Chicago's station inventory supports broad coverage, but winter conditions and peak commute windows can change real-world charger availability.
- For drivers without home charging, pairing destination/workplace Level 2 sessions with limited DC fast charging is usually more cost-efficient than fast-charging-heavy routines.
- Apartment and street-parking users should plan around recurring access windows and backup locations rather than nearest-station assumptions.
- State and utility incentive programs can improve ownership economics, especially when charger installation or managed charging enrollment is completed before purchase decisions.
How Chicago Compares
| Location | Rate | Model 3 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $0.18/kWh | $47.37 |
| Illinois Avg | $0.17/kWh | $43.86 |
| US Avg | $0.18/kWh | $47.37 |
| Aurora | $0.17/kWh | $44.74 |
| Rockford | $0.15/kWh | $39.47 |
Peak: $0.24/kWh
Off-peak: $0.11/kWh
Savings: 56% overnight
Rebate: $750.00
Population: 2,718,782
EV adoption: 4.3%
Average commute: 31.1 minutes
EV adoption rank in Illinois: #1
Market: Growing market
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic monthly charging cost in Chicago?
Using Chicago's local rate ($0.18/kWh), a typical 1,000-mile month often models around $47.37 in home-charging cost.
Is home charging in Chicago cheaper than public fast charging?
For a 1,000-mile baseline, home-rate charging in Chicago is about $71.05 cheaper per month than a public fast benchmark.
How does Chicago compare with nearby cities on rates?
Nearby, Rockford is lower at $0.15/kWh while Aurora is higher at $0.17/kWh. Chicago is $0.18/kWh.
How many public chargers are available in Chicago?
Chicago has 326 public stations, including 269 DC fast chargers.
What utility programs matter most for EV drivers in Chicago?
ComEd supports time-of-use pricing with potential peak-to-off-peak spread near 56%. Listed rebate potential reaches $750.00.
EV Charging Costs in Nearby Cities
Calculate your exact Chicago charging costs
Use your ZIP, vehicle, and mileage profile for a personalized estimate.
Station density context: 12/100k in Chicago, 18.2/100k statewide, 28.9/100k across tracked US cities.