Unity Fleet - Executive Summary

Unity Fleet LLC is pleased to submit this proposal for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Statewide Planning and Research Funds grant to support the development of "The Link" - an innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging network that will transform transportation infrastructure across Illinois.

Project Overview

"The Link" represents a revolutionary approach to EV charging infrastructure, reimagining traditional charging stations as comprehensive destination hubs that integrate advanced charging capabilities with premium amenities to enhance the user experience. This project will establish a network of strategically located charging hubs across Illinois, with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities that currently lack adequate EV infrastructure.

Funding Request

Unity Fleet LLC is requesting $3,200,000 in IDOT Statewide Planning and Research Funds to support the planning, research, and development phases of "The Link" EV Charging Network. Unity Fleet has secured $3,800,000 in matching funds from private investors, corporate partners, and foundation grants, bringing the total project budget to $7,000,000.

Key Features and Components

Advanced Charging Infrastructure

Multiple DC Fast Charging ports delivering 150kW capability
Future-ready design to accommodate current and future heavy-duty vehicles
Smart charging management system for optimal energy distribution

Solar Integration

On-site solar generation with battery storage systems
Truly emissions-free charging solutions
Grid integration for energy stability and optimization

Premium Amenities

Elevated lounge areas with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and productivity spaces
Comfortable waiting environments that transform charging into a positive experience
Community gathering spaces for events and education

Smart Technology

AI-powered management systems for predictive maintenance and usage optimization
Seamless mobile app integration for reservations, payments, and monitoring
Data collection and analysis to inform future transportation planning

Subscription Services

Unity Fleet will offer innovative subscription models to increase EV accessibility:

FlexRide

Starting at $299/month
Access to shared EVs on a regular basis
Includes insurance, maintenance, and priority charging
Flexible booking through mobile app

Take-Home

Starting at $699/month
Exclusive access to a dedicated EV
Multiple tiers with different mileage allowances
All maintenance and charging included

All-Access

Starting at $499/month
Unlimited rides within designated areas
Eliminates personal vehicle reliance
24/7 vehicle availability

Impact and Benefits

Environmental Impact

3-4 metric tons of CO2 reduced annually per EV
30% energy from on-site solar generation
Over 1,500 metric tons of emissions avoided in Year 1

Economic Development

25+ direct jobs created in Year 1
70% procurement from Illinois-based suppliers
$7.5M projected revenue by Year 5
Revitalization of rural downtown areas around hub locations

Equity and Accessibility

Community Access Program for low-income individuals
Partnerships with social service organizations
Targeted outreach to underserved communities
ADA-compliant infrastructure exceeding minimum requirements

Rural Revitalization

Strategic hub placement along key rural corridors
Community partnerships with local businesses and municipalities
Economic stimulus through job creation and increased visitors
Connection of rural areas to the statewide clean transportation network

Implementation Timeline

Unity Fleet proposes a 15-month implementation timeline divided into three phases:

Planning & Design Phase (Months 1-3)

Site selection and acquisition
Permitting and regulatory compliance
Community engagement and partnership development
Detailed engineering and architectural design

Initial Deployment Phase (Months 4-9)

Construction of first 3-5 Link hubs in strategic locations
Development and testing of management software
Training of initial staff and service providers
Launch of pilot subscription services

Expansion Phase (Months 10-15)

Construction of additional Link hubs
Refinement of operational procedures
Expansion of subscription services and fleet
Implementation of community programs and partnerships

Alignment with IDOT Priorities

"The Link" EV Charging Network directly addresses IDOT's key priorities:

Transportation Innovation

Advanced EV charging technology with future autonomous vehicle integration
Smart grid integration for optimized charging
Data collection infrastructure for transportation planning
Connected vehicle technology support

Climate Action & Sustainability

Significant greenhouse gas reduction through EV adoption
Renewable energy integration with solar and battery storage
Circular economy approach to construction and operations
Quantifiable environmental benefits

Equity & Accessibility

Geographic equity analysis for hub placement
Workforce diversity plan for hiring and contracting
Digital equity considerations for those without smartphones
Transportation justice framework addressing historical inequities

Economic Development

Workforce development pipeline with community colleges
Small business incubation at hub locations
Supply chain development for Illinois manufacturers
Economic resilience for rural communities

Conclusion

"The Link" EV Charging Network represents a transformative opportunity to advance Illinois' transportation infrastructure while addressing critical environmental, economic, and equity challenges. By supporting this innovative project, IDOT will help position Illinois as a leader in clean transportation and rural economic development.

Unity Fleet LLC is committed to the successful implementation of this project and looks forward to partnering with IDOT to create lasting positive impact across Illinois communities.