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Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Spring 2024


​Auto Show Goers Experience Electric

Thousands of attendees at the 2024 St. Louis Auto Show engaged with EV experts at the Ameren EV Experience Center. Hosted at the America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis from January 18 to 21, the center offered a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, showcasing the latest in EV technology and the ease and convenience of EV charging, both at home and on the go. 

Interactive displays, including 3D car models, allowed visitors to see firsthand the differences between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, highlighting their efficiency, environmental benefits, and potential cost savings. Did you know that a BEV has only about 20 moving parts versus an ICE vehicle that has more than 2,000? That's just one example of the fascinating facts visitors learned through the 3D car models. 

A major highlight was the diverse range of EVs on display, including models like the Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Tesla Model 3, each demonstrating the variety of options available to suit different lifestyles. Visitors had the chance to explore these EVs up close, delving into their technology and functionality. In a creative showcase of practicality, a mini-fridge filled with bottles of water was plugged into the trunk of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, demonstrating the vehicle's utility and versatility. 

The Ameren EV Experience Center provided hands-on learning and inspired visitors to consider an EV for their lifestyle. With the valuable feedback collected from 1,472 survey responses we will be shaping the future of our EV initiatives, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs and interests of our customers. 

Missed the St. Louis Auto Show or want to learn more about EVs? Visit Ameren Illinois Electric Vehicles site for more information. 

​EV Owner Spotlight

Curiosity to Conviction

Hi there - This is Tim Clauss and I've called St. Louis, MO, home for my entire life. Moving from the suburbs to the city after the kids left the nest has opened a new chapter for me and my wife. Adjusting to city life has been an adventure, filled with new experiences and discoveries, one of which was my dive into the world of EVs.The first time I drove an EV, my Kia EV6, it was a revelation, and I would like to share what I have discovered from my experience:

  • Silent Drive: The silence was golden, and the acceleration was a thrill I hadn't expected. It felt like stepping into the future every time I pressed the accelerator, especially when I discovered the sport mode.

  • Innovative Features: One aspect I hadn't anticipated was how quickly I'd adapt to the new driving style, particularly the regenerative braking. This feature, which helps slow the car when you lift your foot off the accelerator, was fascinating. My EV even has a setting that allows me to drive using just one pedal, making stops and starts seamless and intuitive.

  • Less Maintenance: The minimal maintenance required for an EV was a strong selling point. I still laugh when I think back to the dealer talking about setting up oil changes as if it were just another part of the deal, only to realize that my EV doesn't need any.

For anyone considering an EV, I'd say the transition is smoother than you might think. The convenience of charging at home, even with just a standard outlet, meets my daily needs perfectly. The drive is exceptionally quiet and clean, ideal for city life with its frequent stops and starts.


To those still undecided, my suggestion is to take an EV for a spin. It's a wholly different experience that could change your mind about what you want in a car. My wife, who's been keen on EVs for a while now, is likely to join the EV club soon, motivated by the sheer pleasure of driving one.


By sharing my journey, I hope to encourage others to consider making the switch to an EV. It's not just about choosing a new car; it's about embracing a lifestyle that's kinder to our planet, quieter on our streets, and simply more fun to drive.

Share Your Story


Plug In America’s Annual Survey  

We're eager to delve deeper into customer experiences and perceptions around EVs, covering everything from home charging and utility programs to the decision-making process and challenges in adoption. Whether you're an EV driver or not, we invite you to share your insights by participating in Plug In America’s Annual Survey. It's a chance to voice your thoughts on a range of topics related to EVs, requiring only about 15 minutes of your time. 

​EV Insights

EVs in Education

Have you seen any new electric school or transit buses on the streets? Schools, businesses, and municipalities are supporting the state's transition to electrification through the use of electric fleet vehicles. 

Illinois Schools Leading the Way: 
  • Cahokia Unit School District 187 
  • Granite City Community Unit School District 9 
  • East St. Louis School District 189 
  • Triad Community Unit School District 2 
  • Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 
  • Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 

As electric vehicles (EVs) become an increasingly common sight in our daily lives, we're excited to see communities throughout Illinois embrace the transition to EVs. At Ameren, we're committed to facilitating this shift by offering our support, expertise, and incentives. With our Free Assessment, we aim to assist you in exploring your options for integrating EVs into your business, whether you're considering making the switch now or planning for the future. 

For more information, visit Ameren's Electric Vehicles Fleet and Fleet Assessment sites. 

​​​Ask the Ameren EV Expert

Unleash Your Charging Power

Imagine returning home after a long day, plugging in your electric vehicle (EV), and waking up to a charged ride without having to stop for fuel before your journey begins. When you enroll in Ameren Illinois’ ChargeSmart program, you can unleash your charging power by saving a little cash. 

For our residential customers, the night brings more than just peace and quiet; it brings the opportunity to save. With the ChargeSmart program, you're not just charging your EV; you're making a smart choice to charge during the preferred times. This not only helps you save on electric delivery fees but also aligns your charging habits with times when energy demand is at its lowest. 

But it's not just homeowners who can enjoy the benefits. Ameren Illinois is also empowering businesses and non-residential facilities like multifamily residences, schools, fleets, and transit stations to embrace the convenience and cost-effectiveness of electric charging. Our program ensures that when your EVs charge, they do so at the best possible rate, offering a valuable amenity to your employees, residents, or customers while managing costs efficiently. 

Discover how you can save by enrolling in the ChargeSmart program today. 

For more information on how to enroll and start saving, learn about our ChargeSmart program.


Make the right choice—ChargeSmart and help us drive toward a clean energy future. 
Ask Your Questions

​EV Tax Credit 2024 

Your Guide to Electric Savings

Take advantage of purchasing or leasing an EV from a registered dealership and receive the federal tax credit at the point of sale. 

Everything you need to know about the EV tax credit for 2024: 

  • A tax credit of up to $7,500 is available on new and used EVs that meet certain criteria. 

  • The amount of tax credit depends on a few things: where your EV was made, the parts it's built from, its price, and annual income. View eligible vehicles at FuelEconomy.gov

  • Visit a registered dealership to claim the tax credit at the point of purchase. 

  • The tax credit is nonrefundable.


Even though the requirements for the EV tax credit are becoming stricter each year and the list of eligible models has narrowed, this is set to encourage local production and more sustainable practices, pushing manufacturers to innovate further.


The EV ownership landscape in 2024 is shaped not only by federal incentives but also by state rebates and manufacturer offers, which together can significantly lower the cost of a new EV—potentially by up to $15,000. This combined financial advantage, along with a diverse range of electric models and a growing network of public charging stations, paves the way for a surge in EV adoption. 

​Upcoming Events

Discover the Latest on EV Tax Credits at Our Dealer Partner Roundtable 

April 18, 2024

Register


Join us for a virtual roundtable event, designed exclusively for our dealer partners. Dive into the most recent advancements and opportunities in EV tax incentives that can benefit both your dealership and your customers. 

April 18, 2024
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Register Today 
*Registration is required. 

Southwestern Illinois College Ride & Drive

April 22, 2024 

Register

Are you interested in learning about EVs? Have you ever wondered what it's like to drive an EV? If so, we have just the event for you! In celebration of Earth Day, Southwestern Illinois College is excited to partner with Ameren Illinois for this exclusive Ride & Drive event. 

April 22, 2024 
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Southwestern Illinois College 
2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221 

Register 
Limited spots available.

Virtual EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles
 

May 22, 2024

Register

Join us for an engaging virtual event that offers an interactive introduction to electric vehicles (EVs). Discover the various types of EVs and their benefits, understand the new tax incentives available for purchasing an EV, and learn about our latest programs designed for your community, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to have your EV questions answered by EV experts! 

May 22, 2024 
12 p.m. - 1 p.m. CT 
or 
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT 

Register Today 
*Registration is required. 

Limited spots available.