A Bright Spot for Electric Vehicle Charging

Whether you drive an electric vehicle (EV) in Missouri, are just passing through, or are part of our state’s vibrant business community, there’s good news here in the heartland: a robust and growing electric vehicle charging network that’s making sustainable transportation easier for drivers while creating business opportunities throughout the state.

A Robust Midwest EV Charging Network to Build Confidence in Electric Vehicles

Most utility companies have active programs to encourage and incentivize installation of electric vehicle charging stations by businesses. But something different came to life in 2020, when six major Midwest utilities committed to a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Cooperation, pledging to work together to complete a vast network of Midwest EV charging stations stretching from Michigan to Oklahoma by the end of 2022. Those utilities are Ameren Illinois, Ameren Missouri, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Evergy and Oklahoma Gas and Electric.

Almost every utility company has established carbon reduction goals, and transitioning the transportation sector to electric technology is one way to dramatically lower carbon emissions. According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), there were more than 1.5 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads in 2020. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 18.7 million. To support EVs by that time, 9.6 million public charging stations will be needed and only about 100,000 are available today.

Utility companies are enthusiastic about the opportunities to help drive the expansion of electric vehicle charging on a large scale. They have the resources to plan and implement the electric power grid modernization and expansion needed to support the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles. And they also have extensive experience in working with each other in cooperative enterprises like Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) that assure the efficiency and reliability of electric power supplies in multi-state regions. Says Marty Lyons, president of Ameren Missouri, "By partnering in the creation of a multi-state electric charging network with energy companies outside of our own footprint, we are supporting our customers, our communities and our country with cleaner driving."

Utility programs supporting the charging network’s Memorandum of Cooperation are subject to regulatory approvals and aim to have the charging infrastructure in place by the end of 2022. While there were about 48 models of EVs on the road in 2020, the Electric Power Research Institute forecasted that at least 100 models would be available by 2022*. With these new charging stations, customers across the Midwest can have range confidence whenever they travel, while helping take care of the environment.

"Expanding the use of electricity in transportation saves customers money, improves the environment by reducing emissions and enhances quality of life for everyone," says Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn. "By deploying charging infrastructure and accelerating electric transportation, EEI's member companies, including Ameren and the other companies collaborating on this initiative, are working together to build a cleaner and stronger economy for the future."

Public Electric Vehicle Charging is Available Throughout Missouri

Missouri is well-served with a network of public electric vehicle charging stations. It stands out for supporting electric vehicles in the Midwest. For example, there are over 100 public chargers in the Greater St. Louis area alone, and the number is quickly growing statewide.

Many electric vehicles feature onboard technology to show where the closest public charging station is located. You can use apps like Plugshare.com and ChargeHub to locate nearby chargers.

Ameren Missouri’s Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Network Enables Missouri’s Clean Transportation Future

To support fast, long-distance EV passenger vehicle travel, Ameren Missouri is doing its part to fulfill Missouri’s vision for electric vehicle fast charging stations throughout the entire state. The map below shows the network of stations that will enable safe and convenient long-distance travel for EV owners and allow more drivers to choose electric for their next vehicle. Many are available today and more are coming soon; Missouri is among the best places to invest in EV charging.

Graphic: View map with fast Charging Locations from brochure 

Ameren Missouri Fast Charging Location Facts:

• Charge a typical EV from ~5% to 80% in as little as 45 minutes.
• All EVs supported (including Tesla with correct adapter).
• Corridor network will support electric vehicle travel throughout Missouri along all major interstates and state highways.

Each location features:

• Two DC fast chargers capable of delivering 80-125kW of power to a single vehicle or 62.5kW to two cars.
• Two Level 2 chargers. All EVs can use Level 2 charging.
• Amenities like grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and shopping conveniently located nearby.
• Contactless payment using Apple Pay, ChargePoint or EVgo apps, or credit card by calling the number shown on the station.

Getting Businesses into the Loop With Incentives for Installing Charging Stations

To encourage installation of EV charging stations, many utilities offer incentives to businesses. Ameren Missouri, for example, has incentives for businesses seeking to install EV charging stations at workplaces, multi-family apartment buildings and in publicly accessible locations. Businesses can benefit by becoming part of the network of Midwest EV charging stations; EV charging helps them attract talent, tenants and visitors, and makes a business or a neighborhood a destination. Learn about incentive opportunities available today.

A Bright EV Future in Missouri

Momentum for adoption of electric vehicles has truly accelerated, and Missouri is ahead of many other states in providing infrastructure and opportunities.

*Source: The Coming Electric Vehicle Wave: In 2022, Consumers Get Options, https://morningconsult.com/2021/12/22/electric-vehicles-consumers-2022/#:~:text=While%20the%20number%20of%20electric,the%20Electric%20Power%20Research%20Institute

Learn more about how businesses can benefit from charging stations.