I was aware of an electric car charging station being built at Legacy Pointe in Springfield Illinois. About a month ago I saw build permit in local newspaper. I figured this would be for Level 2 charging. It took us over a month to finally getting around to checking things out. Imagine my surprise yesterday when we pulled around corner and I see Tesla Supercharger units.
I hadn’t read anything about Tesla Motors bringing Superchargers to Springfield Illinois. I’ve visited the original Midwest Superchargers in Normal IL multiple times. Haven’t seen any local news agencies covering Springfield building process. It’s rather surprising to me that I’ve seen no one talking about Tesla coming to town.
Unfortunately it doesn’t look like these Superchargers will get a solar canopy. Some Tesla Supercharger locations are powered fully or partially by solar. Springfield Illinois has a city owned coal plant that provides power to our community. There are some local businesses and home owners who have installed solar. Wind farms can be found North of Springfield. But Sangamon County which Springfield is a part of – has fought against – been very unfriendly to any large scale wind generation.
Our local Tesla Model S owner should be very pleased when these Superchargers go online. They will now be able to power their vehicle for free. I don’t know of any gasoline vehicle manufacturer that offers free gas for life. Tesla Motors provides Superchargers on almost all major Interstate systems in United States and many other countries. These are free for owners to use at any time.
Supercharger locations are open 24/7 all year. They are almost always located near shopping centers, restaurants and other places to spend time. Springfield Illinois Superchargers are a perfect example of that – located in parking lot of Scheels in Legacy Pointe. In video you can see Engrained Brewing Company – a local restaurant that recently opened. Unfortunately Quaker Steak & Lube right across from chargers – just closed ( green white building in video ). On other side of Scheels you will find Ill Tomasso Italian Bistro. An outlet mall and further development is planned for this area. Basically once fertile farm land now being paved over and developed. There is a large bike path located within walking distance.
Springfield Illinois Tesla Superchargers are located Interstate I-72 Exit 96 MacArthur Blvd. A bit further down road is Interstate 55 – which is a major North South route in United States. So chargers are well placed to provide recharging for Tesla owners on either Interstate. Some might argue that Walmart on Sixth street in Springfield would have been a better location. It is where both Interstates intersect.
If you miss I-72 connection from I-55 – which is easy to do – you will have to drive through town on Sixth Street – make a left at light after going under underpass by shopping center – this puts you on Stanford overpass – drive until you reach light at MacArthur Blvd – make left turn – continue until you see Scheels on right.
Normal Illinois has 4 Tesla Superchargers with spots for expansion. When Springfield goes online it will have 4 more units in operation than Uptown Normal does now.
Keep in mind Tesla Motors makes it’s cars in an American factory with American workers. Battery systems for their cars will be manufactured in Nevada in next few years. This will mean majority of parts and components they use for builds will be American Made. Also has best safety crash rating of any car on market. Surpassed ratings testing in multiple countries.
Nissan Leaf ( full EV ) and Chevy Volt ( Plug-in Hybrid ) are also 2 other electric cars Made in USA.
Disclaimer – I am a Tesla Motors stock owner. Unfortunately I didn’t have near the amount of money I wanted to invest in this company. But I do own a few shares.
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Information on shopping and Level 2 electric car charging stations needs updated on page linked below.
Springfield Illinois Tesla Motors Superchargers
Tesla Motors Superchargers Worldwide locations
Closest Level 2 EV charging stations are at Hy-Vee in Springfield Illinois. Located on same road ( S. MacArthur Blvd. ) as Tesla Superchargers. These Level 2 chargers are just a short drive from Superchargers. These are ChargePoint chargers – require a ChargePoint subscription.
There is one Level 2 charger located across street from TGI Friday’s in Springfield. Charger is in front of Illinois Green Industry Association. It is free to use.
Nissan dealership listed as having Level 2 is correct. But that location is often ICED by gasoline vehicles. If you have ChargePoint subscription Hy-Vee charging stations are closer to Superchargers.
Memorial Medical Center parking garage in downtown Springfield Illinois also offers PEP level 2 charging stations. These are not free – require payment or subscription.
Illinois State Fair fairgrounds has a Schneider Electric Level 2 charger behind Illinois Dept. of Agriculture building. Not sure if public use is permitted.
Illinois Governor’s mansion in downtown Springfield Illinois also has chargers – again I’m not sure on public availability.
Springfield Electric on Ninth Street has a Level 2 charger. When I recorded it – it was secured and locked.
Springfield Illinois is now on this MAP – Supercharger Tesla Motors
Ill Tomasso Italian Bistro Springfield IL
Engrained Brewing Company Springfield IL
Quaker Steak & Lube closes Springfield restaurant
Scheels All Sports Sporting Goods Hunting Clothing
Legacy Pointe Springfield Illinois
MacArthur Boulevard Association
Springfield IL Supercharger and lunch. – Saint Louis Tesla Enthusiasts
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