The Growing Challenge: Why Cook County Families Are Struggling with Multi-Vehicle EV Charging in 2025
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across Cook County, Illinois, a new challenge is emerging in suburban driveways and garages: the multi-vehicle charging dilemma. With Illinois setting a goal to have 1 million EVs on the roads by 2030, and only 88,632 EVs registered as of mid-November 2023, the rapid growth trajectory means thousands of Cook County families will soon face the complex challenge of charging multiple electric vehicles simultaneously.
The Infrastructure Reality Check
Most Cook County homes weren’t designed for the electrical demands of multiple EV chargers. Most homes feature electrical connections with capacity up to 63A, and charging two EVs simultaneously using separate chargers that both require 32A would require dedicating the entire electrical infrastructure of the home to EV charging. This creates a scenario where families would not even be able to turn their lights on while both vehicles are charging.
The problem becomes even more complex when considering other high-demand appliances. Load balancing is particularly useful when you have high demand load applications at home such as heat pumps, electric showers or washing machines, as these appliances demand a lot of power, which could potentially result in tripping the main circuit breaker when combined with an EV charger.
Load-Sharing: The Smart Solution
Load-sharing EV infrastructure represents the most practical solution for Cook County families facing this multi-vehicle challenge. Load management is the process of balancing electricity usage in real time to keep it within the maximum capacity of the electrical panel and circuit allowance, controlling demand that stations place on the electrical service for safe and reliable operation, and allowing control of how much electricity each charging station can use when multiple units are connected to the same panel.
EV charger load sharing technology regulates the power outputs of EV charging stations, ensuring electrical load limitations are never exceeded, as load management software automatically calculates and distributes power across active charging stations. This intelligent system means that if four chargers were installed on one circuit, you would receive 100% of the power if charging by yourself, but would receive 25% of the power if every charger was being used.
Cook County’s EV Infrastructure Push
Cook County is actively addressing EV infrastructure challenges. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced $5.5 million in funding for the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program, with the goal of installing up to 75 dual port public EV charging stations throughout suburban Cook County. However, there are large gaps in access to public EV charging stations throughout the suburbs of Cook County, specifically in traditionally underserved communities on the south and west sides.
This public infrastructure development makes residential charging solutions even more critical. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 80% of people with electric vehicles charge their vehicles at home, emphasizing the importance of proper home charging infrastructure.
Financial Benefits of Load-Sharing Systems
Implementing load-sharing technology offers significant cost advantages for Cook County families. Load management capabilities allow you to connect multiple charging stations to a single circuit, helping avoid expensive installation costs or upgrades that may require installing additional power sources or increasing amperage, which can run between $2,000 and $10,000 per incident.
Additionally, load management can help set up chargers to provide specific amounts of electricity during peak and off-peak hours, as utility companies charge higher rates during peak hours (typically 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays) than during off-peak hours.
Available Incentives and Support
Cook County families have access to several incentives that make EV charging infrastructure more affordable. 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, while businesses investing in similar equipment are eligible for a 30% tax credit, or 6% for depreciable property, with a cap of $100,000.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency offers grants to public and private entities for EV charger installation and maintenance, with rebate awards covering up to 80% of eligible project costs.
The Professional Installation Advantage
Given the complexity of load-sharing systems and electrical safety requirements, professional installation is essential. A certified electrician can hardwire stations to the panel and would use EV charging load management within the connected network to ensure they function properly. For Cook County families seeking reliable EV Charger Installation Cook County, IL, working with experienced electrical contractors ensures compliance with local codes and optimal system performance.
Professional installation also ensures that load balancing systems can reduce EV charging accordingly to safely supply power to other appliances as needed, dynamically balancing the load of EV chargers and all active appliances in the house to fit within the electrical capacity of the home.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the EV Future
As Cook County moves toward its ambitious EV adoption goals, families need to prepare for the multi-vehicle charging reality. Load balancing and power sharing enable families to own and charge multiple EVs simultaneously, and as more people adopt EVs, they’ll need better charging technology to charge two vehicles at once.
The investment in proper load-sharing infrastructure today positions Cook County families for the electric future while avoiding costly electrical upgrades down the road. With the right planning and professional installation, the multi-vehicle charging dilemma becomes a manageable transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation.