Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Summer 2024
Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Summer 2024
A More Budget-Friendly “Fuel”
Gas prices can be unpredictable because they depend on the cost of crude oil, which is influenced by many factors. These factors are beyond our control and can greatly impact our finances. We often have no choice but to pay the price at the pump because we need to drive to work, school, the grocery store, and other places.
Many Americans can remember when gas used to be cheaper. The cost of gas has gone up a lot over the years, and it can even change a lot from month to month. Did you know that gas prices have already risen by 50 cents since January 2024 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration? These big price changes can make it hard for families to plan how much they'll spend on gas each week, month, or year.
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a way to avoid the ups and downs of gas prices. Electricity costs and availability are more predictable than gas. According to a study by the Edison Electric Institute, electricity prices have stayed relatively steady over the years, unlike gas prices. While the cost of oil and natural gas can change a lot, electricity is a reliable fuel option.
Driving an EV gives you more control over your fuel costs. Charging your car at home costs about the same as $1 per gallon of gas and using a public fast charger costs about $10-$14 for an 80% charge – a lot less than filling up a gas tank.
Moreover, Ameren Illinois offers the ChargeSmart program to help you maximize these savings even further. The ChargeSmart program is available to Ameren Illinois residential customers who are able to charge their EVs at home overnight to help you optimize your savings:
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Earn a credit for your electric delivery service for every kWh used during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. An additional charge applies for each kWh used during the highest hour of total household usage within this timeframe.
Standard Charging Period: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. No additional credits or charges apply for electric usage during this period.
To help offset potentially higher charges during the NPCP, we also offer a monthly bill credit for your first 12 consecutive months enrolled in the ChargeSmart program. This gives you time to see how your household usage impacts your bill and make adjustments for maximum savings.
Get Started
Plug-in overnight
Save on your EV fueling costs and energy delivery fees
Learn more about the ChargeSmart program here.
EV Highlights
On April 22, we partnered with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) to kick off the first ride & drive event of the year in Belleville, IL. This event transformed the campus into a hub of electric vehicle (EV) excitement, offering students and staff a unique opportunity to dive into the world of EVs.
The event featured 40 ride & drive experiences with seven cutting-edge EV models, including the VW ID.4, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mach-E, Nissan Leaf, and two Mazda CX-90s. Attendees enjoyed test driving these vehicles and discovering the benefits of EVs over traditional cars.
We were honored to host special guests. Patty Gregory, Mayor of Belleville, took a spin in the Ford F-150 Lightning with Mark Minden, our Efficient Electrification and Product Development Executive. Lenny Singh, our Chairman and President, also joined us, experiencing the ride & drive excitement firsthand and connecting with participants.
Our public relations team was also on-site with two of our EV bucket trucks, which drew significant attention and sparked conversations about the capabilities and benefits of EVs, enriching the community engagement experience.
We look forward to hosting more events that inspire and educate our community about the benefits of EVs.
EV Insights
Simple & Convenient: Charging Your Vehicle at Home
Illinois Charging Installation Updates and Introduction to the Community Engagement and Consultation Program
In recent years, Illinois has witnessed a significant surge in the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, reflecting the state's commitment to transitioning to electricity as fuel. Although 80-90% of EV charging occurs overnight at the driver’s residence, the increasing availability of public 'on route' chargers enhances the convenience for EV drivers, enabling them to use their vehicles for more than just day-to-day commutes and errands. With more public fast chargers, it's easier to rely on your EV for all of life’s scenarios.
Currently, there are 3,418 public electric vehicle charging ports available in Illinois, and that number is set to rise. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is implementing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides $148 million over five years to establish an interconnected public EV charging network, prioritizing stations along the interstate highway system.
Whether on the road or driving around town, finding a public charging station is simple with in-vehicle navigation or apps like PlugShare or Google Maps. As new charging infrastructure is built across the country, it's becoming easier for all types of drivers to consider switching to an EV.
Recognizing the importance of community involvement in this transition, we have launched the Community Engagement and Consultation (CEC) program to support these efforts. Officially launched on April 26, the program aims to seamlessly integrate public electric transportation infrastructure into the daily lives of our communities within our service territory. Our approach involves several key components:
- Developing tailored electrification plans that fit each community's specific needs.
- Offering financial assistance for eligible communities to ensure equity.
- Providing education around electrified transportation, events, and resources.
For more information and to explore additional resources, please visit our CEC site.
Ask the Ameren EV Expert
Question: Which vehicles qualify for tax credits, and how do I get that credit?
Answer: Several plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles are eligible for the federal tax credit, saving EV drivers up to $7,500. As the EV market continues to grow, more models will become available for the tax credit.
And with the credit now available at the point of sale with participating dealerships, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit. If your dealership doesn’t offer the credit at point of sale, you can always redeem it when you file for your taxes.
The following vehicles qualify for a full $7,500 tax credit:
- Acura ZDX EV
- Cadillac Lyriq
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
- Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid PHEV
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Honda Prologue
- Tesla Model 3 Performance
- Tesla Model X All-Wheel Drive
- Tesla Model Y Long Range
- Volkswagen ID.4
To learn more information about the eligible vehicles and how you can benefit from the tax credit, visit the Fuel Economy website.
EV News
Watch as we accompany Paul Cook from KSDK for an insightful journey around town in an EV. Together, we address frequently asked questions like how long it takes to charge, how much it costs, and how easy it's becoming to charge on the road!
With over 96,000 EVs on the road in Illinois, the infrastructure for charging is improving year over year. Charging stations are becoming more accessible and convenient, making it easier than ever for EV owners to keep their vehicles powered up.
Events
Shaping Perspectives: My First Electric Vehicle Experience
Shaping Perspectives: My First Electric Vehicle Experience
Hi, I’m Jack Ingebretsen, a student who recently had an eye-opening experience at the Southwestern Illinois College ride & drive event in Belleville, IL. This event completely changed my understanding of EVs. Before attending, I was only vaguely familiar with a few brands and their general benefits.
I really appreciated these aspects of the experience:
- Hands-On Opportunity: Driving and closely exploring several EV models firsthand was incredibly helpful. I got to see how reliable EVs are and learned about plug-in hybrids that combine electric battery systems with traditional engines.
- Active Engagement: One of the highlights was being able to ask all my questions and test multiple models in one place. The conversations with EV experts were very helpful, providing insights into the different brands, features, and benefits of EVs. This made the experience both informative and enjoyable.
- Variety of Models: Having a variety of EVs to test drive was amazing. Seeing the small differences in how each brand approaches EVs helped me understand what I might prefer in an EV.
- Educational Conversations: One thing that surprised me was how much money you can save with an EV, as they require less maintenance and electricity is much cheaper than gas.
This experience has definitely influenced my decision-making process as I consider my first vehicle purchase. I’m now seriously looking at EVs and plug-in hybrids. The Ford Mustang Mach-E particularly caught my eye because it combines the classic Mustang with modern EV technology.
If you're curious about EVs, I highly recommend exploring and test-driving one. This experience can open your eyes to the cost savings and convenience that EVs offer. You might discover your perfect match and enjoy the benefits of driving electric.