The historic Route 66 beginning from Chicago and travels through Illinois will get an electrifying upgrade.
The state of Illinois is investing $1 million to establish a network of charging stations for electric vehicles along this route, said, Gov. Pat Quinn.
The initiative is aimed to promote electric vehicle growth in Illinois.
This new project demonstrates Illinois’ place as the innovation capital of the Midwest, with business practices that create jobs and encourage sustainability, added Quinn.
The state has joined with local governments and private sector to construct the Illinois Route 66 Electric Corridor as part of the attempt to make the iconic road electric vehicle-friendly.
The aim of the partnership is to establish an electric vehicle charging network along a 300-mile stretch from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
It will also connect two major markets including Chicago and St. Louis which will familiarize with budding recognition of electric vehicles.
According to the plan, at least one charging station will be installed in the each of the Illinois towns of Plainfield, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Edwardsville.
Several EV manufacturers including BMW, Mitsubishi and Nissan, are also involved in the Route 66 project.
Projects like this will help the state maximize the possibilities of EVs, commented Mitsubishi officials.
The University of California Davis, a center for sustainable transportation research also provided technical assistance in planning the Route 66 electric vehicle charging station network.
Sabeena Wahid
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