Breaking Free from Range Anxiety: How Will County’s Rural EV Owners Are Winning with Home Fast-Charging Solutions
Will County, Illinois residents living in rural areas know the frustration all too well. You’re driving your electric vehicle through the sprawling countryside, watching your battery percentage drop, and wondering where the nearest charging station might be. Addressing charging deserts — areas that lack easy, widespread access to EV chargers — will be critical in full transportation electrification, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The severity and nature of a given charging desert will differ between urban and rural locations and by levels of access to home charging.
The Reality of Will County’s EV Charging Desert
Rural Will County faces significant challenges when it comes to EV infrastructure. EV adoption rates in rural America have been slower compared to urban regions. Rural drivers, on average, cover longer distances, which makes the lack of available public charging infrastructure even more critical. Recent studies reveal a troubling trend: 34 U.S. counties that used to have public charging stations no longer have any active ones, becoming “charging deserts.” Another 36 counties lost most of their stations.
For Will County commuters who travel to Chicago or other metropolitan areas daily, this creates a perfect storm of range anxiety. Range anxiety is a significant concern for rural EV drivers. Because rural residents tend to travel longer distances between destinations, they often worry about their vehicle running out of battery power without access to a charging station.
2025: The Year of Home Fast-Charging Solutions
Fortunately, 2025 has brought revolutionary changes to home EV charging technology. To make the most of EV ownership, you need high-voltage charging equipment at home. We tested some of the top home EV charging units on the market to find the best electric car chargers out there today. Modern Level 2 home chargers can now deliver up to 48 amps of power, adding 35-40 miles of range per hour of charging.
The benefits of home charging are substantial: Trust us, you’ll want to be charging at home as much as possible. This has two significant benefits: Charging can be accomplished when the vehicle is otherwise parked, and home charging is substantially cheaper (roughly one-third the cost) of DC fast-charging.
Illinois Incentives Making Home Charging Affordable
Will County residents are perfectly positioned to take advantage of generous state incentives. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) offers grants to public and private entities for EV charger installation and maintenance of publicly available Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Rebate awards may cover up to 80% of the eligible project costs.
Additionally, Under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit in Illinois, consumers purchasing qualified residential fueling equipment between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, may receive a tax credit of up to $1,000. Businesses investing in similar equipment for electricity and alternative fuels are eligible for a 30% tax credit, or 6% for depreciable property, with a cap of $100,000.
The Technology Revolution in Home Charging
Today’s home EV chargers are smarter and more efficient than ever. The Wi-Fi-enabled features, like remote monitoring and updates, add convenience, ensuring it stays future-proof as EV technology evolves. Charging speeds were consistent and fast, and the included J1772 adapter ensured effortless compatibility with other EVs.
For households with multiple EVs, innovative solutions like dual-port chargers allow With one EV plugged in, that side gets all the available juice, up to the unit’s or the car’s maximum. If you then plug in a second EV, the output immediately splits to half for each cable.
Professional Installation: The Key to Success
While the technology is impressive, proper installation remains crucial. Vendors that install EV chargers must comply with Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) certification requirements. For specific requirements, see the ICC EV Charger Installer Certification website. Professional EV Charger Installation Will County, IL services ensure your system meets all safety codes and operates at peak efficiency.
Most installations require a professional electrician and may require a panel upgrade if you have a 100-amp panel already crowded with circuits. The charger is hardwired only and needs a 60-amp dedicated circuit breaker and a 48-amp electric vehicle branch circuit to deliver its maximum output.
Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Improvements Coming
While home charging solves the immediate problem, Will County’s public infrastructure is also improving. The NEVI Program provides $148 million in federal funding to Illinois over the course of IIJA to deploy EV charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network. The goal is to create a national EV charging network to provide EV users with the confidence that they can travel long distances and expect reliable access to EV charging stations when needed.
The state has announced more than $25.3 million in grants to support 37 projects for the first round of funding, which will facilitate the construction of 182 new charging ports, including at least four DC fast charging ports at each location. Selected locations will have at least four fast-charging ports; when complete, these projects will provide access to fast charging at least every 50 miles along Illinois interstates.
The Bottom Line for Will County Residents
Rural Will County EV owners no longer need to suffer from range anxiety. With advanced home fast-charging solutions, generous state incentives, and professional installation services, 2025 represents a turning point. By investing in a quality home charging system, you’re not just solving today’s charging desert problem – you’re future-proofing your electric vehicle ownership experience.
The combination of an up-front cost of between $400 and $700 for equipment, available tax credits up to $1,000, and the long-term savings of home charging versus public fast-charging makes this an investment that pays for itself. For Will County’s rural commuters, the message is clear: the solution to the charging desert isn’t waiting for more public infrastructure – it’s installing the right charging solution at home.