Electric Vehicles Sustainability

October 09, 2025

Best Ways to Save With Electric Vehicle Charging

Whether you're an EV owner or want to be, many drivers are eager to explore how to save time and money while driving and charging an electric vehicle. Ameren Missouri has several resources to help you do both.

How Much Can You Save by Switching to an EV?

First, let’s start with what you’ll save in fuel costs by switching to an EV. Charging at home overnight, generally the least expensive time to charge, is about the equivalent of buying gasoline for $1/gallon. Our EV Savings Tool gives you a clear view of potential fuel cost savings and estimated recharging time for your commute.

And don’t forget that EVs don’t require the same maintenance that gas vehicles do, so you’ll save on those costs, too.

• Step 1: Enter a few details about your current or potential vehicle and your daily driving distance
• Step 2: Pick the EV you own or are considering
• Step 3: See an estimate of fuel savings and cost reductions

Top Ways to Save When Charging Your EV

• Choose an Ameren Missouri rate option that rewards you for shifting energy usage to off-peak hours, when you’ll pay the least. Since that’s typically overnight, charge your vehicle then.
• Plug your vehicle in when you get home, and schedule it to start charging during off-peak hours to maximize those savings. Or use a smart Wi-Fi-enabled charger to schedule charging. The mileage range you’ll get per hour of charging will depend on the type of charging you have.
• Use workplace charging or free public charging when you can. Many apps, like PlugShare, are available to help you find free public charging or compare prices.

Which Ameren Missouri Rate Options Help Me Save?

Our rate options let you choose the best rate to fit your lifestyle. With many, you pay a discounted rate on the energy you use during off-peak times, typically overnight. That’s when energy is in lower demand and less expensive.

Two rate options popular with EV drivers are the Overnight Savers and Evening/Morning Savers. Both offer discounted rates during off-peak hours. Charge your vehicle during those hours, and you’ll be on the road to savings. Log in to your customer portal to learn more about rate options and determine which one would be a good fit for your lifestyle.

How Do I Save With a Home EV Charger?

Data shows most EV drivers do the majority of their charging at home because it is often more convenient and less expensive. And though there are costs related to charger installation, those costs are offset by what you save on fuel and maintenance costs when you switch to an EV. Homeowners can also take advantage of available tax credits on charging equipment and installation through June 30, 2026.

At-home charging solutions can work for both plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles (BEVs), and whether you need to charge daily depends on your driving habits. Our EV Charging Time Estimator provides an overview of charging times for various EV models.

Setting up a charging routine can also save both time and money by scheduling the start and stop time your vehicle charges—and remember to charge during off-peak hours. To do this, simply plug in your vehicle when you get home, and use vehicle telematics or a smart Wi-Fi-enabled charger to schedule charging during off-peak hours. By morning, you’ll be well-rested and road-ready.

How Do I Save When Charging Away from Home?

Public charging options can provide a quick top-off or full charge, whether you’re running errands or on a long road trip. And remember, many EV models will suggest charging stations along your route, including where and how long you should stop to charge. If your vehicle doesn’t have this feature, there are many EV apps on the market today that offer the same functionality.

Here are some quick tips before you hit the road:

• Take advantage of your employers’ charging stations.
• Plan ahead to find chargers near shopping centers, restaurants, airports, hotels, vacation rentals, rest stops and other points along highway corridors. Join networks and use apps to help you locate free charging stations or compare prices.
• Know the kilowatt (kW) rating of a charging station and the amount of power your vehicle can handle to determine how long a charge will take. A 50kW station can charge an EV to 80% in 45 minutes, but if your EV supports the extra power of a 250 kW, charging may take 15 minutes.
• Know the types of public chargers available:
  • DC Fast Chargers: These chargers quickly power an EV from 10% to 80% in 30-40 minutes.
  • Level 2 Public Chargers: These are widely available at locations like parking garages, hotels and shopping centers. They provide around 25-40 miles of range per hour.

To save time:

• When charging on the go, look for higher kW chargers for faster charging.
• On road trips, look for rest areas that have chargers and hotels with Level 2 chargers.
• Use your vehicle’s navigation or an EV driver app to plan your route and know when and how long to charge to make it to your destination.

To save money:

• Use apps like PlugShare to find free DC fast chargers and Level 2 public chargers.
• Compare pricing and know how you’ll be charged. Some chargers increase the fee after a set number of minutes. Prices may also increase during peak periods of the day.
• Look for charging deals from networks, like IONNA, that offer reduced rates or price breaks for using certain networks. When creating network accounts, understand their membership fees or balance requirements. Some will require a payment method to ensure your balance doesn’t fall below a minimum threshold.
• Use credit cards that offer cash back on EV charging.

Understanding Your EV Charging Options

To maximize savings while charging an EV, choose an Ameren Missouri rate option that offers discounts on the energy you use during off-peak times, and charge your EV during that time. Take advantage of available tax credits on home charging equipment until June 30, 2026. Use workplace charging when you can and available resources to help you find free public charging options when you’re on the go. Use your vehicle’s telematics, if available, or other resources to help you make informed decisions about when and where to charge. Familiarize yourself with types of public charging and use payment methods that offer cash back on EV charging. Understanding these strategies will not only enhance your EV experience but also help you save time and money.