Posted 22 months ago in Trending
3 MIN READ – With more than 70 level-2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across four integrated parking facilities in downtown Chicago, Millennium Garages has launched the Midwest’s largest public EV charging hub. Data from the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, which includes a national registry of EV chargers, also indicates that Millennium Garages is among the largest public charging hubs in the nation.
Millennium’s charging infrastructure is expanding EV access for area residents, commuters, visitors, and commercial vehicle fleets. Millennium Garages has been an early leader in supporting vehicle electrification, and recent investments have more than doubled the garages’ charging capacity. Additional information and updates on EV charging at Millennium Garages are available here.
An integral part of Chicago’s iconic Loop neighborhood, the garages sit between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive beneath Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Maggie Daley Park. Millennium’s four facilities span approximately 12 square city blocks adjacent to the central business district, cultural attractions, theater and music venues, restaurants, hotels, and the Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Grant Park North Garage – 25 N. Michigan Avenue
- Grant Park South Garage – 325 S. Michigan Avenue
- Millennium Park Garage – 5 S. Columbus Drive (west of the entrance ramps)
- Millennium Lakeside Garage – 5 S. Columbus Drive (east of the entrance ramps)
“Millennium Garages serves a large portion of Loop workers, visitors and residents, and the new EV charging capabilities provide access to environmentally friendly steps that are making our city and downtown sustainable for the future,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “As a hub for leisure travelers and commuters, dedicated space for EV charging is a logical necessity for the Loop’s continued success.”
Each of Millennium Garages’ current chargers delivers enough energy in one hour for an average EV to travel 20-30 miles. This capacity is ideal to meet the needs of most Millennium Garages’ customers, many of whom park for several hours. Currently, EV charging is available on a first-come, first-served 2 basis, and Millennium Garages has created a waitlist for drivers with interest in a new reserved monthly EV charging option. EV charging is currently complimentary with paid parking, as the garages collaborate with customers and partners to raise awareness, launch a sustainable pricing model, and explore additional opportunities.
In collaboration with Chicago’s electric utility ComEd, EV charging equipment providers, civic and commercial partners, and local community organizations, Millennium Garages has embraced EV charging as a key component of its near-term operations and long-term business strategy.
The garages host charging equipment from multiple EV charging technology and service providers, including EVPassport, ChargePoint, Tesla, FlashParking, and EVBox. By offering a range of charging options, Millennium Garages allows EV owners and facility operators to compare charging platforms, technologies, and user experiences.
With the return of in-person commerce and tourism following pandemic-related closures, EV charging is an urgent opportunity for Chicago’s downtown business, entertainment, and residential districts.
