XCharge and JOJO Launch Midwest EV Charging Network
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the American Midwest is taking a significant step forward as XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast EV Charging announce a strategic partnership to deploy a high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the state of Illinois. The collaboration represents an important milestone in expanding access to reliable, ultra-fast EV charging for drivers throughout the region, while also contributing to the modernization and resilience of the electrical grid.
XCharge North America, the regional subsidiary of XCHG Limited, brings advanced EV charging technology and battery-integrated systems designed to support grid stability and energy efficiency. Through the new partnership, the company will not only manufacture and supply high-power chargers but will also oversee the full lifecycle of each installation. Its turnkey deployment team will manage every stage of development—from planning and engineering to construction, commissioning, and long-term operational support.
The partnership’s first phase will introduce a combined 800 kilowatts of ultra-fast charging capacity across nine strategically selected sites. These locations are designed to serve both local residents and travelers across key commercial corridors. Most of the charging stations will be located at stores belonging to Menards, a well-known home improvement retail chain headquartered in the Midwest and widely recognized as one of the region’s largest hardware and building supply retailers.
By placing EV charging infrastructure at highly frequented retail destinations, the project aims to integrate charging seamlessly into drivers’ everyday routines. Shoppers visiting Menards stores will be able to charge their vehicles while running errands, helping eliminate the need for separate charging stops and making EV ownership more convenient.
Each of the planned charging sites will feature four C6 Smart DC Fast Chargers manufactured by XCharge North America. Together, these chargers will provide eight charging ports per location, enabling multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously. The system is designed to deliver ultra-fast charging speeds capable of significantly reducing waiting times and increasing station throughput—two factors that are critical for the continued adoption of electric vehicles.
Several of the sites are already operational or scheduled to open in the near future. The first completed stations are located at the Menards stores in Crestwood, Illinois and Bridgeview, Illinois, both of which are currently serving EV drivers. Additional stations at Menards locations in Hodgkins, Illinois and Tinley Park, Illinois are expected to begin operations in May 2026.
Further expansion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. Planned sites include Menards locations in Sterling, Illinois, Freeport, Illinois, and Galesburg, Illinois. Additional charging facilities will also be installed along Main Street in Carbondale, Illinois and at the Chicago Premium Outlets, expanding access for both residents and visitors traveling through the region.
To mark the official launch of the network, JOJO Superfast EV Charging hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Crestwood Menards location, the first site to become fully operational. The event brought together representatives from industry, government, and the local community to celebrate the milestone and highlight the collaborative efforts behind the project.
Among the attendees were Joe Sheehan, CEO of JOJO Superfast EV Charging, and Alex Urist, co-founder and senior vice president of marketing at XCharge North America. Local leadership was represented by Ken Klein, mayor of Crestwood, along with representatives from Commonwealth Edison, commonly known as ComEd, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The project demonstrates how coordinated efforts between public institutions, utilities, manufacturers, and charging network operators can accelerate the deployment of EV infrastructure. State and utility incentives played a crucial role in making the initiative possible, helping offset development costs and encouraging private investment in clean transportation technologies.
One of the key contributors to the project is ComEd’s “Make-Ready” rebate program. This initiative is designed to support the installation of high-capacity EV charging by covering certain electrical infrastructure upgrades required to connect charging stations to the power grid. These upgrades can include transformers, wiring, and other components needed to support large-scale charging operations.
Additional support came from the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a landmark state law that promotes clean energy investments, economic development, and equitable access to renewable technologies across Illinois communities.
Together, these programs demonstrate how public policy can catalyze private sector innovation and infrastructure development. By providing targeted financial support and regulatory frameworks, state and local agencies can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Leaders from both partner companies emphasized that the project is not just about installing hardware but about transforming the EV ownership experience for drivers throughout the region.
According to Aatish Patel, president and co-founder of XCharge North America, the initiative holds special meaning because of its impact on his home state. He explained that the company’s goal goes beyond simply deploying chargers—it aims to provide drivers with a dependable and efficient charging experience that removes uncertainty from long-distance travel and daily commuting.
Reliable infrastructure, Patel noted, is one of the most important factors influencing whether consumers feel confident transitioning from gasoline vehicles to electric ones. By ensuring that high-speed chargers are conveniently located and consistently available, the project helps address one of the most commonly cited barriers to EV adoption: range anxiety.
JOJO Superfast EV Charging CEO Joe Sheehan echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of building infrastructure in communities that have historically lacked access to fast charging. He pointed out that many EV drivers, particularly those living on the South Side of Chicago and in other underserved areas, have long struggled to find convenient charging options.
The new network aims to change that reality by providing strategically placed stations that serve both urban neighborhoods and regional travel routes. According to Sheehan, the long-term goal for JOJO Superfast is to create one of the most accessible ultra-fast EV charging networks in the state.
Achieving that scale requires both advanced technology and strong collaboration between stakeholders. Sheehan emphasized that XCharge North America’s charging systems and hardware capabilities will play a key role in enabling rapid expansion across multiple locations.
He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation between ComEd, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and other partners who helped move the project from concept to reality. Their combined support demonstrates how incentive programs can translate directly into real infrastructure that benefits communities, drivers, and local economies.
Beyond the immediate benefits for EV drivers, the new charging network also represents an important step toward broader energy and transportation goals. As more electric vehicles enter the market, the demand for high-capacity charging infrastructure will continue to grow. Projects like this one help build the foundation necessary to support that transition.
High-power charging networks also play a role in grid modernization. XCharge North America’s battery-integrated charging solutions are designed to help manage energy demand, reduce peak loads, and improve overall grid stability. These capabilities can make it easier for utilities to integrate renewable energy sources while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Looking ahead, both companies expect the Illinois rollout to serve as a model for future expansion throughout the Midwest and other regions of North America. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic site selection, and strong public-private collaboration, the partnership aims to accelerate the shift toward a cleaner and more resilient transportation system.
As electric vehicle adoption continues to rise across the United States, initiatives like this one demonstrate how infrastructure deployment, supportive policy frameworks, and private sector innovation can work together to create a more sustainable mobility ecosystem. For drivers across Illinois, the new network promises faster charging, greater convenience, and a future where electric travel becomes the norm rather than the exception.
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