Illinois is seeing continued momentum in clean energy and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing as state incentive programs draw new investments from battery and component producers.
Manner Polymers this week opened a $54 million solar-powered manufacturing facility for EV and solar components in southern Illinois, backed by a $4.6 million state incentive package. The company said the plant will generate all of its electricity needs from solar power. “Our objective is to build the lowest cost, highest quality, most environmentally sustainable flexible PVC compounding plant in the world,” CEO Raj Bhargava said.
The facility received support through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which offers tax credits to businesses that contribute to EV and clean energy development. Governor JB Pritzker, speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said the investment “will help maximize the manufacturing potential and accelerate the clean energy revolution that is taking place.”
Other recent REV Illinois-supported projects include Richardson Electronics, which will invest $8.5 million in battery energy storage technology at its Illinois site and receive $8.6 million in tax credits, and Pure Lithium, which is relocating from Boston to Chicago. Pure Lithium plans to invest $46 million in a lithium metal battery manufacturing facility and was awarded $4.4 million in state incentives. The company said the move positions it closer to Argonne National Laboratory, with which it is collaborating on lithium recycling projects.
The REV Illinois program has also supported Rivian and Gotion in locating EV and battery operations in the state. Officials said the incentives are designed to strengthen Illinois’ position in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, particularly in underserved and energy transition regions.
