The State of EVs: Insights from the Chicago Auto Show

The State of EVs: Insights from the Chicago Auto Show

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Electric Vehicles, Electrification

The past few weeks have been eventful for the EV industry. Changes to NEVI funding, CFI grants, Clean School Bus grants, and discussions about altering EV tax credits at the federal level have raised questions about where things stand. With all this movement, many advocates and EV owners are wondering what the future holds.

That’s why my visit to the Chicago Auto Show last week felt so timely. This event isn’t just a playground for car enthusiasts.  It is where automakers showcase their latest models, concept vehicles, and innovative technology. It’s also a great opportunity for organizations like RENEW to see how the auto industry is positioning itself for the future.

And after walking through car manufacturer to car manufacturer, I can confidently say that EVs are still a core part of the automotive industry.

Despite political shifts and an evolving narrative around electrification, automakers are still committed. EVs were front and center at nearly every major booth. No matter where you looked, there was an EV or plug-in hybrid showcased on a stage, positioned right alongside the manufacturers’ most popular gasoline models.

Automakers Are All In

At Ford’s booth, one of the first things you saw walking into the main hall was the F-150 Lightning, the Mustang Mach-E, and Ford’s proprietary home charging setup. These displays were front and center of the Ford display, making it clear Ford still sees EVs as a priority

Over at Jeep, the focus was, as expected, all about off-roading. They had their usual rugged terrain display, showcasing the Wrangler and Gladiator’s trail capabilities. But what was running the trail with them? The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, demonstrating how combining an electric motor with an internal combustion engine enhances torque, fuel efficiency, and even allows for silent off-roading—something that was almost unheard of when it was first introduced.

The Stellantis brands (Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge) had a strong presence. Ram was showing off its new RamCharger chassis, a plug-in hybrid setup that uses a gas-powered generator to feed electricity to the battery, allowing for a range of over 650 miles. Chrysler had a brand-new luxury EV concept on display, the Halcyon. Dodge, known for their muscle cars, was showcasing their push into electrification with the all-new EV muscle car, the Next-Gen Charger. Across the board, hybrid and electric models were integrated with their gas-powered lineup.

Even Toyota, a company that’s been openly hesitant about fully embracing EVs, made a statement. While they’ve been more focused on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, than full battery electric vehicles. Toyota made it clear, through their display, they are committed to electrification.

A High-Performance Future

One of the most exciting parts of the show was the indoor EV test track. It wasn’t just about looking at the cars, it was about experiencing them. Automakers set up a track where attendees could take rides in some of the latest EVs and feel that signature instant torque and smooth acceleration firsthand. Ford, GM, Stellantis, Rivian, Volkswagen, and others were all there, letting people experience the power of electric vehicles first hand.

The Bigger Picture: Why People Choose EVs

Walking through the auto show, it became clear that automakers are designing EVs and hybrids for a wide range of drivers. Not everyone is buying EVs for the same reasons and the industry is responding to that reality.

  • Some people buy an EV for cost savings, with lower fuel and maintenance costs.
  • Others love them for performance with quick acceleration, off-road capabilities, and cutting edge technology.
  • And, of course, many are drawn to the climate benefits, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting the shift to renewable energy.

And honestly, it doesn’t matter why someone chooses an EV or plug-in hybrid—what matters is that they do.

At RENEW Wisconsin, our goal is to see transportation powered by clean energy. The best way to make that happen? Increase EV and plug-in hybrid adoption. Whether someone is buying an EV for fuel savings, performance, environmental benefits, or a mix of all three, the result is the same: more electric vehicles on the road and a step closer to a cleaner transportation future.

So while the headlines may suggest uncertainty in the EV market, the Chicago Auto Show told a different story. It was a story of growth, innovation, and a strong commitment from automakers to electrification. The EV industry is strong and continues to expand into new markets.

Multifamily Metering: Webinar on Wisconsin Electric Metering Rules

Multifamily Metering: Webinar on Wisconsin Electric Metering Rules

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Electrification, Policy, Solar

Recently RENEW Wisconsin joined 350 Wisconsin, Clean Wisconsin, Elevate, West Cap, and Powerlines to discuss the proposed changes to electric metering rules. You can watch the webinar and read below to learn more about the subject and how you can get involved.

Installing clean energy technology such as solar panels on multifamily buildings, whether they be apartments, condos, or co-ops often has more hurdles than it does for single-family homes and businesses. Wisconsin’s rules surrounding electric metering of Wisconsin residential buildings, (PSC 113.0803), require each individual unit of a building to have its own electric meters.

Electric metering has a direct impact on installation costs for technologies such as solar arrays, heat pumps, and more. This is mainly due to the amount of wiring required through the building to meet current requirements.

These outdated metering rules can exclude those who live in multifamily buildings from the benefits provided by clean and energy-efficient technology. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is actively reviewing the rules in order to update them. We look forward to a favorable change to these rules.

Speakers:

Orrie Walsvik, RENEW Wisconsin

Ciaran Gallagher, Clean Wisconsin

Emily Park, 350 Wisconsin

Heather Allen, Elevate

Mike Noreen, West Cap

And special guest, Charles Hua, Powerlines

The 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application is Open!

The 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application is Open!

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Electric School Bus, Electric Vehicles, Electrification

Dozens of school districts in Wisconsin have already taken advantage of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate program. The program is back again for its second to last year.

The EPA has made $965 million in rebate funding available for the 2024 CSB Rebate Program. This is nearly $500 million more than what was available in the previous years. The application period opened on September 26 and will remain open until January 9, 2024. This is the second rebate funding opportunity through the multi-year funding program.

The EPA launched this program to help school districts purchase new, cleaner school buses for little or no cost. The Clean School Bus Program funds the replacement of existing diesel and gas-powered buses with cleaner buses that result in better air quality on the bus, near bus loading areas, and in the community generally. This program not only protects the health of children and the environment but also reduces operational costs for schools.

2024 Clean School Bus Rebates Overview

The EPA is prioritizing applications from high-need, rural, and Tribal school districts. There are nearly 100 Wisconsin school districts on the priority list. School Districts are eligible to receive rebates of up to $325,000 per school bus, up to 50 buses per district. These funds are also intended to cover the cost of charging infrastructure. If you are not a school district on the priority list, you can still apply for a chance to be awarded 170,000. This is a great opportunity for all school districts to replace aging buses with new electric school buses.

The deadline to apply for this year’s rebate program is January 9, 2024. School districts that previously applied for CSB funding may reapply if they meet eligibility requirements.

Applicants on the 2023 CSB rebate waitlist must also reapply.

Important Dates

Activity Date
2024 CSB Rebates Application Period September 26, 2024 – January 9, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
Various Webinars on CSB Program October 2024 – December 2024
Final date to submit questions prior to the application period closing about the 2024 Rebates to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov November 14, 2024, 3:00 PM CT
2024 CSB Rebates Application Deadline January 9, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
Notification of applicants on selection status May 2025

The following entities are eligible to apply for EPA school bus rebates:

  • State and local governmental entities that provide bus services, such as public school districts, including charter schools, with an NCES District ID.
  • Eligible contractors such as for-profit or nonprofit entities have the capacity to sell or finance clean or zero-emissions school buses or related charging infrastructure to school bus owners.
  • Nonprofit school transportation associations.
  • Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funded school.

For questions about eligibility, please contact cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. For more information on electric school buses, route planning assistance, and applying to the Clean School Bus Program, contact RENEW at info@renewwisconsin.org.

Empowering Tribal Nations: The Shift to Clean Energy

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Advocacy, Community, Community Solar, Electrification, Energy Storage, Health, Home, Inflation Reduction Act, Local Initiatives, RENEW Wisconsin, Renewables, Sustainability

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is committed to preserving their environment and fostering sustainable growth. In the face of a rapidly changing climate, investing in clean energy isn’t just about harnessing the power of the sun and wind—it’s about empowering their community, protecting their sacred lands, and ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come. With increased clean energy funding opportunities, such as those provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is creating new opportunities, enhancing economic resilience, and supporting the Tribe’s cultural values.

Special thanks to Isaiah Ness (Sun Bear Industries) and Zoar Fulwilder (Mavid Construction Services) for their work to advance clean energy in Tribal communities and for inviting RENEW to witness the transformation.

EPA Announces Recipients of Clean School Bus Program Rebates

EPA Announces Recipients of Clean School Bus Program Rebates

by | May 29, 2024 | Electric School Bus, Electric Vehicles, Electrification

On May 29, the EPA announced the award recipients for the Clean School Bus Program rebates. In total, the state of Wisconsin received $22.9 million in funding spread across 24 school districts. It’s exciting to see Wisconsin school districts leading the way in the transition to electric school buses, ensuring a cleaner and healthier commute for students across the state.

The Clean School Bus Program is focused on replacing traditional diesel-powered school buses with cleaner ones. This initiative, established under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), allocates $5 billion over five years for this transition. As of 2024, we’re in the third year of funding.

To be selected for the rebate, school districts are required to fill out a rebate form and are then entered into a lottery. Congratulations to those who received funding from the EPA for this round, we’re looking forward to supporting them as they transition to clean buses.

Here is the full list of Wisconsin award recipients:

  • Alma School District: $345,000
  • Auburndale School District: $200,000
  • Augusta School District: $530,000
  • Beloit School District: $8,705,000
  • Boyceville Community School District: $50,000
  • Elmbrook School District: $200,000
  • Green Lake School District: $200,000
  • Isthmus Montessori Academy Public Agency: $345,000.00
  • Ithaca School District: $25,000
  • Lancaster Community School District: $400,000
  • Marion School District: $420,000
  • Mayville School District: $800,000
  • Menominee Indian School District: $690,000
  • Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District: $200,000
  • Milwaukee School District: $7,465,000
  • Mount Horeb Area School District: $200,000
  • North Crawford School District: $690,000
  • Oneida Nation School: $245,000
  • Oregon School District: $200,000
  • Osseo-Fairchild School District: $200,000
  • Pittsville School District: $690,000
  • Platteville School District: $25,000
  • River Ridge School District: $25,000
  • Sheboygan Area School District: $100,000

To see the full list of recipients, please click on this link to go to the EPA website about the Clean School Bus rebate: Clean School Bus Program Awards.

Wisconsin’s EV Infrastructure Gets a Major Boost

Wisconsin’s EV Infrastructure Gets a Major Boost

by | May 24, 2024 | Electric Vehicles, Electrification, NEVI

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has revealed the locations of the first 53 Level 3, DC-fast charging, electric vehicle (EV) stations across Wisconsin funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. This marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards a sustainable transportation future.

The announcement follows the signing of legislation in March — Senate Bill 791 and Senate Bill 792, now 2023 Wisconsin Acts 121 and 122. These laws enabled WisDOT to receive and administer over $78 million in federal NEVI funds allocated to Wisconsin. For these initial projects, $23.3 million was awarded. This funding represents a critical investment in the state’s EV infrastructure.

Private Sector Commitment

The drive towards a sustainable future is also being fueled by Wisconsin-based companies. Industry leaders such as Kwik Trip, Menards, Culver’s, Potawatomi Fire Side Market, and Oneida Casino have demonstrated their commitment to the state’s economic future. Collectively, the private sector’s commitment is a substantial one, totaling $10.5 million. This strong state support underscores that the push for new, robust EV infrastructure is coming from within Wisconsin itself.

This significant investment underscores the value that electric vehicles can bring to Wisconsin’s overall economy. It also highlights the confidence that industry stakeholders have in the future of EV adoption and EV infrastructure in the state.

The public-private partnership showcased in this initiative is evidence of the understanding that reliable charging infrastructure will be a benefit to both residents and businesses across Wisconsin. The EV charging network will support drivers, businesses, tourists, and the overall economy of Wisconsin.

Extensive Coverage Across the State

By ensuring that the first round of funding covers a wide range of locations and communities across Wisconsin WisDOT is doing its part to spread the benefits of this new infrastructure. With the strategic placement of these charging stations throughout the state, residents across the state will no longer question whether they could be stranded without power for their EVs.

One of the significant barriers to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles has been range anxiety—the fear that an EV will run out of power before reaching a charging station, much less one that will recharge a vehicle quickly. The establishment of these 53 fast charging stations is a substantial step towards eliminating both concerns. With a robust network of fast charging stations, drivers can feel confident in making the switch to electric, knowing they will have access to fast, convenient, and reliable charging options.