Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Winter 2024
Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Winter 2024
A Year in Review: EVs in 2024
With 29 new EV models on the market, and EV adoption accelerating, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Illinois roads increased from 91,451 at the end of 2023 to 116,773 by October 2024. That’s a 28% increase in just 10 months! It’s clear that the EV industry continues to grow and that more and more consumers are driving electric.
Whether you are just beginning to compare EV models or you’re ready to install an at-home EV charger, Ameren Illinois encourages you to use AmerenIllinois.com/EV as your resource to learn about charging and compare the cost of fueling per EV model, and more. In 2024, we provided EV education to 6,500 people through ride & drives, webinars, and community events. Our work helped thousands of people across the state learn about the benefits of EVs, the potential for cost savings, and charging options. Through these engagements, more customers are learning about EVs and exploring how driving electric could fit into their lifestyles. It was a fun year of exploration, and we appreciate the conversations as we all learn together.
As more drivers transition to EVs, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure continues to grow. The State of Illinois is set to install 2,000 fast charging ports over the next 18 months. These efforts are part of a larger plan to strengthen the state’s charging infrastructure. Eventually, the state’s goal is to have 36,000 public charging ports installed across Illinois in order to support one million EVs by 2030. Today, there are more than 13,500 EVs within the Ameren Illinois service territory and growing.
Ameren Illinois is committed to supporting these goals. We will continue to provide EV education through community outreach programs, resources, and tools. Programs like ChargeSmart, Community Engagement and Consultation (CEC), Driver Education (DE), and Fleet Assessment already provide communities with the resources and expertise needed to effectively integrate more EVs. These efforts deliver tangible benefits for communities by lowering transportation costs, attracting economic investment, and creating career opportunities for residents across the state. As Illinois drives toward meeting its EV charging infrastructure goals, our programs are ready to support communities as they align with state policies and regulatory requirements.
The growth of EV adoption may have you wondering if the electric grid can support the charging needs. The answer is yes, today's grid is ready for the challenge. However, as our industry changes and as more charging infrastructure develops, Ameren Illinois is committed to enhance our service delivery through smart grid technologies and improving grid resiliency. These strategies will help ensure that the grid remains reliable, affordable, sustainable, and efficient as EV adoption increases.
Under the Ameren Illinois Grid Plan, we're committed to:
- Advancing the grid to support the clean energy transition and Illinois' 2050 net-zero carbon target
- Enabling increased customer generation
- Streamlining renewable interconnections
- Expanding customer options for energy service
- Supporting the overall electrification of the downstate Illinois economy
EV Owner Spotlight
Driving Electric with a Family of Five
Aaron Artz here, Ameren customer, husband and father to three wonderful children. My family owns a Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which has saved us hundreds of dollars throughout the time we’ve owned it.
Our minivan's electric range is 30 miles, which is more than adequate for us to tackle our daily errands and transport our children to their activities. We charge our van overnight with a level 1 charger on a 120V outlet, and it is fully charged and ready to go in the morning! Sometimes, on busier days, we will use a level 2 charger for a quicker charge when we are home between trips, but the standard level 1 that comes with the van is sufficient most days.
We pay only $50 a month for gasoline for the van, though we drive it around 18,000 miles per year. We most definitely have saved money on a day-to-day basis. We were even able to utilize federal tax credits to purchase our minivan, which helped bring the price down and made the cost comparable to the full gas version. Our family also installed solar panels, which helps us save on the cost of electricity.
Overall, driving electric has met my family’s needs. However, we enjoy having the option to use a gas-powered vehicle should we need it for longer trips. It’s the best of both worlds!
EV Insights
More EV and Charging Options
Whether you're curious about electric vehicles (EV) or ready to make a purchase, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Ameren Illinois has a number of resources for current and future EV owners, including best ways to charge for less, incentives, rebates, and tax credits. Our online tools and resources can help you compare EV models, understand your options, and connect with local auto dealers to find the ideal vehicle for your family.
Find the Right EV Model for You
Our EV Comparison Tool allows you to browse EV options to find one that suits your needs. You’ll find detailed information on each model, including driving range, vehicle size, charging speed, and overall performance. You can even see whether a tax credit is available for the model you’re looking at.
Once you're ready to go on a test drive, visit our Dealer Partner Network site, which provides a list of local dealerships where you can purchase new or certified pre-owned EVs. Many of these partners also offer online listings for used inventory, making it easy to shop around and compare options.
Estimate Your Potential Savings
Want to see how much you could save by switching to an EV? Our EV Savings Tool will give you a clear view of potential cost savings when transitioning from a traditional gas vehicle to an electric model. By entering a few details about your current vehicle and the EV you’re looking to compare, you’ll receive an estimate of fuel savings and cost reductions.
Ameren Illinois Programs
ChargeSmart Program: Earn a $4 credit on your monthly bill for the first 12 consecutive months, and if you can shift how you use energy in your home during the day and charge your EV overnight to the preferred charging period (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), you can reduce your delivery energy costs.
EV Partner Network: Provides incentives and rebates for charging installation for qualified customers and communities, as well. Let our EV Partner Network guide you through this process.
Check out our website to access all these resources and more.
Whether you're curious about electric vehicles (EV) or ready to make a purchase, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Ameren Illinois has a number of resources for current and future EV owners, including best ways to charge for less, incentives, rebates, and tax credits. Our online tools and resources can help you compare EV models, understand your options, and connect with local auto dealers to find the ideal vehicle for your family.
Find the Right EV Model for You
Our EV Comparison Tool allows you to browse EV options to find one that suits your needs. You’ll find detailed information on each model, including driving range, vehicle size, charging speed, and overall performance. You can even see whether a tax credit is available for the model you’re looking at.
Once you're ready to go on a test drive, visit our Dealer Partner Network site, which provides a list of local dealerships where you can purchase new or certified pre-owned EVs. Many of these partners also offer online listings for used inventory, making it easy to shop around and compare options.
Estimate Your Potential Savings
Want to see how much you could save by switching to an EV? Our EV Savings Tool will give you a clear view of potential cost savings when transitioning from a traditional gas vehicle to an electric model. By entering a few details about your current vehicle and the EV you’re looking to compare, you’ll receive an estimate of fuel savings and cost reductions.
Ameren Illinois Programs
ChargeSmart Program: Earn a $4 credit on your monthly bill for the first 12 consecutive months, and if you can shift how you use energy in your home during the day and charge your EV overnight to the preferred charging period (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), you can reduce your delivery energy costs.
EV Partner Network: Provides incentives and rebates for charging installation for qualified customers and communities, as well. Let our EV Partner Network guide you through this process.
Check out our website to access all these resources and more.
EVs IN THE COMMUNITY
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a key part of our communities. And we’re not just talking about passenger cars. More and more school districts around Illinois are replacing diesel school buses with electric alternatives.
Electric buses are beneficial in more ways than one. They’re better for the health of students and the entire community. Diesel exhaust has been shown to harm students' cognitive and physical health. Electric school buses eliminate this concern. E-buses have zero tailpipe emissions, reducing children’s exposure to pollution and creating a healthier overall environment. In addition to cleaner air, electric school buses are quieter, reducing noise pollution and creating a more enjoyable experience for students.
Many school districts are embracing the electric revolution—and new federal tax credits are helping them replace existing school buses with zero-emission or clean options. The EPA has been awarded $5 billion to create the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The agency is now accepting applications for schools to receive federal funding for electrifying their fleet.
If your district is considering this transition, we are here to help. Through our Free Fleet Assessment Ameren Illinois can guide you every step of the way, from evaluating your fleet’s operational needs to identifying cost-saving opportunities and designing an installation plan for charging infrastructure.
Ask the Ameren EV Expert
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?
With the right tools, charging an electric vehicle (EV) can be simple and efficient. Let’s explore how charging works — and how long it takes — both at home and on the go:
Charging at Home
Home charging is the most convenient way to keep an EV powered up. Simply plug it in at the end of the day, and by morning, your car is ready for the road. Here are the main options for home charging:
Level 1 Charging: By plugging the EV into a regular household outlet, you’ll get about 4 miles of range per hour. This option works well for drivers who don’t need to drive long distances every day.
Level 2 Charging: If you have a longer commute or frequently drive longer distances, level 2 charging can be a good fit for your needs. It uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to the power setup for large appliances. Level 2 charging provides around 25-40 miles of range per hour, so most EVs can reach an 80% charge overnight.
To help you select the best equipment for your needs, try the Ameren Illinois Charging Tool to compare EV chargers and their features. When you are ready to install a charger, let our EV Partner Network come to work for you. Our partners can evaluate your needs and share any available incentives and rebates for qualified residential and business customers. All chargers in the state of Illinois are required to be installed by a certified installer. Through the Ameren Illinois EV Partner Network, you can also find certified electricians to ensure your charging station is safely and professionally installed.
Charging on the Go
When you’re on a longer journey or a road trip, public charging options offer you the flexibility of either a quick top-up or a full charge. Here’s what to look for:
DC Fast Charging: These chargers quickly power an EV from 10% to 80% in 30-40 minutes, making them perfect for long trips. Apps like PlugShare help you locate DC fast chargers along your route, with real-time availability updates and user reviews to guide your stops.
Level 2 Public Chargers: Level 2 public chargers are widely available at locations like parking garages, hotels, and shopping centers. They provide around 25-40 miles of range per hour, making them a good choice if you plan to park for a few hours.
As you consider how charging fits into your routine, we offer an EV Charging Time Estimator to give you an overview of charging times for various EV models.
Upcoming Events
St. Louis Auto Show EV Experience Center
Get charged up at the Ameren booth at the St. Louis Auto Show! Dive into the world of electric vehicles and discover how EVs can be incorporated into your life and your community. Stop by and chat with EV experts, learn more about charging, and play EV trivia to win prizes.
EV Experience Center:
January 9-12, 2025
America's Center
Booth #13 (near the main entrance)
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101