Darien Part Of Electric Car Program

DARIEN, IL – Darien is among 16 area communities picked for a program to prepare for the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Darien and the other towns will focus on policy development related to infrastructure for electric vehicles, permitting and safety, according to a city news release.

Electric vehicles are expected to account for half of new car sales by 2030, thanks, in large part, to state and federal incentives, the release said.

“Our aim is to make it faster, easier, and more affordable for our residents and businesses to install EV charging stations in our community,” Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese said in a statement.

He said Darien has adopted the Greenest Region Compact, the Chicago area's "consensus sustainability pledge."

"The EV Readiness Program will help us achieve the sustainable transportation goals in the Compact," the mayor said.

The other towns chosen for the program are Aurora, Carol Stream, Chicago, Deer Park, Geneva, Glencoe, Hampshire, Hanover Park, Kane County, Maywood, Oak Park, Polo, Richton Park, Skokie and University Park.

The program is paid for, in part, with a $225,000 commitment from ComEd, the area's electric utility.

The towns were selected by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.