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Electric Vehicle Charging

Charging your vehicle is easy and more convenient, and costs less than fueling with gasoline.

Find a charging solution that meets your needs

Level 1 Charger

  • Provides 4-5 miles of range per hour
  • Ideal for daily commutes of 40 miles or less
  • Plug directly into a standard outlet
  • No other special charging equipment needed
  • Typically provided with EV purchase
  • Typically used for at home charging

Level 2 Charger

  • Provides ~25 miles of range per hour
  • Ideal for longer daily commutes
  • Requires a 240V outlet (similar to a dryer outlet) which will need a certified electrician to install
  • Commonly used at home, work, or public locations where vehicles are sitting idle for 2+ hours

Level 3 DC Fast Charger

  • Provides ~80% in 30 minutes or less
  • Ideal for quick stops on longer routes
  • Typically requires payment through a charging network app
  • Typically found along major highway corridors and other retail establishments

Charge at Home

Ameren Missouri has developed this step-by-step guide to help ensure customers have everything they need to install an electric vehicle charger at home safely.

Decide What Level of Charging is Right for You

Consider battery size, travel miles and amount of time needed to charge.

Level 1: Use the EV charging unit or cord. This can plug into your standard wall outlet of 120-volt.

Level 2: You will need to install a 240v circuit to connect the Level 2 charging unit.

  Level 1 Charging Level 2 Charging
How many miles do you drive per day? 1-50 miles 51+ miles
Do you require 100-200 miles of range in a single charge? No Yes
Are you able to charge the vehicle for at least 7 hours each evening? Yes No
Do you have access to workplace charging? Yes No

Research Home Charging Units

There are many models of at home chargers available to consumers today. Many vehicles may even come with a Level 1 or Level 2 charging unit.

Some “smart chargers” are wi-fi enabled and will provide a summary of energy usage and allow you to schedule your charging sessions. It’s important to note, however, that many vehicles offer the same capabilities through in-vehicle telematics.

Be sure to determine what attributes are important to you and research models that will meet your needs. You can use our free charger comparison tool to find a charging solution. 

Find a Certified Electrician

Ameren Missouri makes finding a qualified electrician easy with the Ameren Missouri Electric Vehicle Partner (EVP) Network. Electric Vehicle Partners have professional knowledge of current EV chargers, available incentives and are a valuable resource to help customers safely charge at home.

Conduct a Site Visit and Obtain a Quote

Safety always comes first at Ameren. That’s why we recommend having a qualified electrician conduct a survey/site visit before plugging in your vehicle, even if no panel upgrades are needed. A quick survey by an electrical contractor can determine if your home has adequate electrical capacity for electric vehicle charging. Depending on the size and age of the home, there may not be sufficient electrical capacity, meaning a new electric service panel may have to be added.

Be sure to discuss:

  • Any required upgrades
  • The type of charger you want (Level 1 or Level 2)
  • Preferred installation location (inside or outside, ensuring the cord can safely reach the vehicle's charge port)
  • The cost of installation
  • Project timeline
  • Required permits and who will apply

Select an Electrician and Install

Once you have chosen a charging unit, reviewed bids to select an installer, identified a location for your charger and have received permits (if applicable) - it’s time to install the equipment!

Keep in mind, a federal tax credit may be available. You may be able to save up to 30% (up to $1,000) for residential charging installation.

Plug In and Charge!

Congratulations! You are ready to charge your EV! Plug in whenever you need and enjoy all the benefits of driving electric!

Once your equipment is installed, you can charge from the convenience of your home. Be sure to explore rate options that save you money when you charge overnight and leverage your vehicle telematics or Wi-Fi-enabled charger to schedule charging sessions to maximize your savings.

 

Ready to install EV charging? Check out our Electric Vehicle Partner (EVP) Network comprised of electricians, contractors and other EV professionals.
 

      

 

Find a Charging Station

While 80% of charging happens at home, with a little preparation, charging on-the-go can also be easy and convenient. There are many apps and websites to help you find charging near you or on your route. These resources even give you tips, reviews, and feedback to make your charging experience even more hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

While the industry continues to work towards standardizing, there are still a variety of plug types in the market today. Level 1 and Level 2 (AC) charging falls into two plug types: NACS (Tesla) or J1772 (all other auto manufacturers). For DC Fast Charging in North America, three different plug types can be found: NACS (Tesla), CCS (most other auto manufacturers) and CHAdeMO (less common). While there are many adapters becoming available, it is important to know what plug types your vehicle utilizes.
There are a lot of charging stations across the country and more are being installed daily. Charging apps like PlugShare provide a comprehensive mapping solution for all of your road trips. You can search for chargers in Missouri on our Charger Finder.
Over 90% of EV drivers charge at home. If you have a house with a garage or driveway, you can plug it in to “fuel up.” You are able to charge your car anywhere there is a regular 120V wall outlet present. You can also charge when you're out and about at hotels, grocery stores, workplaces, malls and more using public charging — some public and workplace charging stations are even free to use! You can search for chargers in Missouri on our Charger Finder.

Level 1 charger (120 volts): ~5 miles of added range per hour of charge
Level 2 charger (240 volts): ~25 miles of added range per hour of charge
Level 3 charger/DC Fast Charger: Up to ~80% charge in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle and type of charger. The larger the battery, the more time it will take to reach an 80% charge.

If you live in a multifamily dwelling and do not have access to a shared station or dedicated outlet at your unit, you will primarily utilize public stations installed throughout your community. You can also talk to your landlord, property owner, or workplace about taking advantage of local incentive programs to install charging stations at their sites. We anticipate seeing much more public fast-charging around town, and with this type of charging, you would be able to charge as needed.
Standard cord lengths are 18 feet but are available up to 25 feet. Cords should never be placed in walkways, or wrapped or draped over the vehicle.

Charging at Home

Yes, this is a standard but necessary certification for assuring safe and reliable operations.
Ameren recommends always consulting with a certified electrician who is properly trained and qualified.
Depending on the charging cord that is included with your EV, you can plug into a regular wall outlet, utilize an existing 240V outlet (appliance outlet similar to those used for household dryers), or install a Level 2 charger at your home through a qualified electrician. Need help finding a qualified electrician? Ameren has many Electric Vehicle Partners that can assist with your at-home installation.
Ameren offers a comparison tool where customers can review different electric vehicle Level 2 charger models. Be sure to also check the charger manufacturer’s website for any warranty information or available incentives.
The cost of charging your vehicle varies depending on the model, your daily usage and what time of day you charge your vehicle. Ameren has rate options available that can benefit those who charge overnight. You can also calculate your commute savings potential on our EV Commute Calculator  and your overall savings potential on our EV Savings Calculator.

Charging Safety Considerations

  • Always select charging equipment that is certified to meet safety standards.
  • Never use extension cords or multiplug adapters when charging.
  • When utilizing a 120-volt AC outlet, ensure the outlet is rated for the required amperage (contact a certified electrician for verification if you are unsure).
  • Utilize a certified electrician when installing a 240v outlet to serve a level 2 charger.
  • Consider installing a commercial/industrial grade NEMA 14-50 receptable for your Level 2 home charger (instead of residential grade). While they are slightly more expensive, they are designed for long-duration, high load sessions, offering durability and reliability that often surpass a standard household outlet.
  • Keep in mind that charging cables are a trip hazard so be mindful of the cable's location.
  • Always maintain the charging station's components, replacing worn or damaged parts that can malfunction.
  • Visually inspect charging cords prior to charging.
  • Always read your owner's manual for charging guidance specific to your vehicle, as well as guidance specific to your charging equipment.
  • Cover outdoor equipment to prevent water damage.

A damaged charger is an unsafe charger, one that could cause harm to you or your EV when plugging it in.

  • Before plugging in your car, inspect the charger for apparent signs of damage.
  • Ensure the plug fastens snugly into the car’s charging port, as broken clips may prevent a secure and unsafe connection.

Some public charging stations are located conveniently in parking areas near shop entrances. However, other locations place chargers at the far corner of the lots. Use common sense and do not exit your car if you feel unsafe.

  • Keep the doors locked if you sit in the car while charging.
  • Lock the vehicle if you leave it unattended while charging.
  • Always be mindful of your surroundings.

Lastly, because EV charging often requires the use of technology, apps and digital forms of payment, it's important to keep cybersecurity in mind. Always use strong passwords and ensure that you are performing regular software updates as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Explore Rate Options

Ameren Missouri offers a range of residential rate options, including Off-Peak/On-Peak rates. With these rates, you can save by shifting your energy usage to off-peak hours when demand is lower and you'll pay less. Finding the rate that's right for your lifestyle can add up to savings for you.

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