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Ameren Illinois Newsletters

Ameren Illinois EV Newsletter - Summer 2025


Dia's EV Journey  | Charging Solutions | Charger Installation Costs | Events

​​​From Gas Pumps to Charging Ports: How Public Charging is Evolving

When new technology enters our lives, it often brings new questions. For drivers in the early 1900s, one of the biggest was: “Where do I fill up?” Gas-powered cars were gaining popularity, but fuel wasn’t always easy to access—it was often sold in cans at general stores or pharmacies. In Illinois, the first purpose-built gas station opened in 1918 in Rochelle1. Over the decades, access to fuel continued to evolve. By 1947, the first self-service station opened in 1947 in Los Angeles2, nearly 40 years after gasoline vehicles hit the market. 

Today, we’re seeing a similar shift with electric vehicles (EVs)—but this time, the infrastructure is growing much faster. Public charging as we know it today began in 2011, when the first modern charging stations3—known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)—were installed just one year after the first widely available plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles entered the market in 20104. Unlike the early days of gas-powered cars, when drivers waited years for fuel stations, charging infrastructure for EVs began almost immediately. While early chargers were slow and limited, public charging has quickly become faster, more reliable, and easier to access.

One key difference from the gas station model is that the majority of EV drivers do 80% of their charging at home. That means public charging doesn’t need to be on every corner—just in the right places. Today, chargers are increasingly located in the places people already spend time—like shopping centers, workplaces, and highway stops, to name a few. 

Just as gas stations grew to support a new kind of traveler, public charging is evolving to meet the needs of today’s—and tomorrow’s drivers. As of May 2025, Illinois has 1,510 charging stations and 4,422 charging ports5. 

If you’re thinking about going electric—or already have—this shift in infrastructure is steadily expanding. While there’s still progress to be made, understanding how it's developing can help you plan ahead, make informed choices, and move forward with confidence.

​​​EV Owner Spotlight

Driving Electric with Purpose and Care: Dia Parr’s EV Journey

Dia Parr is a proud Carbondale, IL native who spent 33 years serving her community as a public school teacher. Now in a new chapter of life, she's embracing fresh adventures—including the switch to driving electric. Since October 2023, she’s been driving her Nissan Ariya Evolve Plus, a spacious SUV that aligns with both her practical needs and personal values.

After test driving several EVs at a community car show, Dia quickly realized what she wanted. “The elevated vehicle height was important to accommodate my disabled son's needs,” she explains. “And I really liked that the Nissan dashboard didn’t feel like a giant iPad.”

But functionality wasn’t her only motivation. Her husband, Al, has long been active in the local green movement, helping organize EV shows through their church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These events have brought the community together, featuring everything from Teslas to a 1955 Spider sports car that was converted to electric. The shows have been so successful that local dealers, Ameren, and Southern Illinois University have stepped in as sponsors.

“I really like my car,” Dia says. Her Ariya gets over 300 miles of range in the summer —plenty for round trips to St. Louis, which she makes frequently for Cardinals games, performances at the Fox Theatre, and her son’s medical appointments. “I estimate we travel to St. Louis at least 20 to 25 times a year.” To expand her charging options on longer road trips, Dia recently purchased a Tesla adapter to access more fast-charging stations. She and Al are currently planning a road trip to Iowa this May to visit family.

Dia primarily charges at home using a Level 2 Wallbox charger, which Nissan helped her purchase at a discount. “Installing the charger was pretty seamless,” she says. They’ve set their charger to automatically power up between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., taking advantage of Ameren Illinois’ ChargeSmart Program which rewards EV drivers with monthly bill credits for charging during the Preferred Charging Period.

While her experience has been largely positive, Dia acknowledges there's a learning curve to driving electric—particularly when it comes to planning for charging stops. Dia is quick to recommend EVs to others. “They’re quiet, smooth, and fun to drive. People think they’re slow, but they’re not! Surprisingly, most people don’t even realize she’s driving electric. “Nobody has asked me about it yet,” she says with a laugh. “But it feels good to drive something that’s helping reduce emissions.”

For Dia, the shift to an EV has been more than just a new mode of transportation—it’s become another opportunity to learn and share her experience with the community she’s always called home.

Share Your Story

​​EV Market Preview

Find the right at-home charging solution

Charging at home is the most convenient option. With a home charging station, you simply plug in your vehicle and forget it. When you’re ready to hit the road, your car is too. 


While the idea of finding and installing a home charger might feel overwhelming, Ameren Illinois simplifies the process with a step-by-step guide and a variety of online resources. If you're unsure where to begin your search for a home charging station, our website offers tools to compare equipment, locate certified electricians, and explore available incentives. 

Choosing the Right Home Charging Solution

The first decision you'll need to make is which level of charging best suits your needs: 

  • Level 1 Charging 

This option uses a standard 120V outlet and provides about 4–5 miles of range per hour. It's best for drivers with short daily commutes (under 40 miles) and usually doesn't require any additional installation. 

  • Level 2 Charging 

This faster option uses a 240V outlet—similar to what you’d use for a clothes dryer—and delivers approximately 25 miles of range per hour. While it typically requires professional installation, it’s ideal for drivers with longer commutes or multiple daily trips. 


Comparing and Purchasing Chargers 

Once you’ve narrowed down your charger preferences, use Ameren’s Charger Comparison Tool to explore specific models and features. 


Many of these chargers are available online or through local electricians and EV supply stores. If you're unsure where to purchase, Ameren’s EV Partner Network and website are great starting points for locating trusted vendors and installers near you. 


Right now, Ameren Illinois residential customers can claim an exclusive $50 rebate on a Blink HQ 200 Home Charger through the Online Marketplace. Don’t forget to check with your vehicle manufacturer for additional incentives or discounts on home chargers.


Ameren Illinois provides tools, tips, and checklists to guide you through every step of the home charging journey. Whether you’re just starting your EV research or ready to install a charger, we’ve made the process as smooth and pain-free as possible. 

​​Ask the Ameren EV Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Charger at Home?

Installing a Level 2 home charger—including labor, materials, permits, and minor upgrades—typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000, before any incentives or tax credits. This estimate does not include the cost of the charger itself, which can range from $400 to over $1,500 depending on the brand and features.

Costs tend to stay lower when the charger is installed near the electrical panel and no major upgrades are needed. More complex setups may fall at the higher end.

What Other Factors Affect the Cost? 
  • Distance from the electrical panel: Longer wiring increases cost
  • Garage: Detached garages may require trenching or overhead wiring
  • Basement type: Finished basements take more labor to work around
  • Panel capacity: Homes with limited electrical capacity may need an upgrade
  • Age of the home: Older houses may need additional updates to meet code

Installation Prep and Incentives Information


The best time to plan your charging setup is before your EV arrives. Knowing what your home needs and what the installation might cost can help you avoid surprises and make confident choices.

Ask Your Questions

​​Upcoming Events

Join Ameren at the vibrant Fiesta in Florissant!

Learn More

Free For All

Saturday, June 21, 2025
​10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
​Sunday, June 22, 2025
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM ​
​Ameren will be on site until 6:00 PM both days.​

​Knights of Columbus Park
50 St. Francois Street, Florissant, MO 63031 

Stop by the Ameren booth during this two-day celebration to learn about the benefits of driving electric, and how charging stations are becoming more accessible in communities across Missouri and Illinois. 

Fiesta in Florissant brings together more than 15,000 people each year to enjoy live Latino bands, folkloric dancers, authentic foods from Latin America, Hispanic arts and crafts, a car show, and a children’s pavilion full of activities for the whole family.


Join Ameren Illinois at Kicks on 66!    

Learn More

Free For All​

Saturday, September 6, 2025 
11:00 AM
​
Ray M. Schon Park,
​ Glen Carbon, IL


Hosted along the iconic Route 66, Kicks on 66 is a family-friendly event featuring classic and custom cars, live music, kids’ activities, food vendors, and more. While you're there, visit the Ameren Illinois booth to take a ride-along in an EV and have all your questions answered by experts.

We hope to see you there!