Skip to main content

Ameren Missouri EV Newsletter - Fall 2024


Celebrate National Drive Electric Week!

In celebration of National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), Ameren is hosting a series of virtual and in-person electric vehicle (EV) events! We’re bringing community members the opportunity to chat with EV experts, take an EV out for a spin, and learn how easy it can be to incorporate EVs into their lifestyle. Join us for the ultimate EV experience at these family-friendly events, and get a firsthand experience inside the world of EVs!


To kick off the festivities, Ameren is presenting “EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles.” In this engaging virtual event, you will learn about the different types of EVs and their benefits, how easy they are to charge at home and on the road, available vehicle purchasing incentives, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions with an EV expert!


EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles
Wednesday, September 18th | 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. 
Virtual Event | Free to Attend | Registration Required
Register Today

Curious about driving an electric vehicle? We're hosting two great opportunities to take an EV out for a test drive! Get behind the wheel and test drive a variety of makes and models at our Ride & Drive Events this National Drive Electric Week. These events will allow you to take an EV out for a spin, learn about charging, and get a feel for how EVs can fit into your lifestyle. 


28th Annual Wings-N-Wheels Fly-In Car Show

Saturday, Sept 28th

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Register Today

Maryland Heights Tons of Trucks Event 

Saturday, Oct 5th

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Register Today

If you would like to learn more about driving electric, check out Ameren Missouri EV resources

​EV Owner Spotlight

​Embracing Electric: My EV Journey Through the Seasons

My name is Taylor Klipfel, a student at Maryville University in St. Louis, and I’m excited to share my journey with my 2017 Chevy Bolt, which has transformed my driving experience and adapted seamlessly to different weather conditions.

Back in August 2023, I was on the hunt for a new car. I wanted something quiet, efficient, and a bit different from the norm. That’s when I came across the Chevy Bolt. With some help from my parents, we found a model in Columbia, IL, that fit my budget, lifestyle, and driving habits. Its quiet driving and sleek design immediately drew me in, and the fact that it has zero tailpipe emissions sealed the deal.

Living on campus at Maryville University was another key factor in my decision to go electric. With four Level 2 charging stations available, I knew I could easily keep my car charged, ensuring it is always ready to go. Plus, when I need to visit my family in Cape Girardeau, I can charge my car to 100% for the two-hour commute.

Here are some key points about my experience in different seasons:

Fall-Winter:
  • Sometimes I need to charge my car more frequently in winter due to the heater, but the cost of charging is still reasonable.
  • In the fall, I might spend about $12 a month on charging, and even in winter, it only goes up to around $20. When compared to the cost of gas, it’s still a great deal!
  • Driving on ice and snow has been smooth, with reliable traction and control throughout.

Spring-Summer:
  • Driving in warm weather has been just as smooth as in cold weather.
  • Rainy days don’t cause any issues; my EV handles wet roads just as well as dry ones.
  • Using the auto setting on the AC makes cooling efficient without significantly impacting the battery.
  • My charging expenses stay consistent even in these seasons, so I don’t end up spending more despite using the AC more often. 

One recommendation I have for driving an EV, regardless of the season, is to always plan ahead. Mapping out your routes and knowing where the charging stations are is important. This habit is beneficial year-round to ensure your EV stays always fully charged.

Overall, my experience with my EV has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve learned to adapt and appreciate the benefits of driving an EV in all weather conditions. Whether it’s fall, winter, spring, or summer, my Chevy Bolt handles it all with ease.


EV Insights

​Exciting Additions to the EV Lineup: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Lifestyle


As we look ahead to 2025, the electric vehicle market is expanding with new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Whether you’re exploring your first electric vehicle or ready to upgrade, it's important to choose an EV that truly fits your lifestyle. Consider what a typical week looks like for you: where you go, what you do, and how you get there.


Before you explore what's coming up, it's important to understand the benefits and differences between BEVs and PHEVs to make an informed decision.


BEVs

  • Can save up to $1,300 annually on fuel and maintenance, and many models are eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500.

  • Require fewer maintenance visits with about 20 moving parts and no oil changes.

  • Offer ranges over 400 miles and can recharge to 80% in about 30 minutes.


PHEVs


  • Provide fuel savings with home charging costs equivalent to $1 per gallon of gas, and some qualify for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500.

  • Need less gasoline and fewer oil changes, benefiting from regenerative braking to reduce wear on brake components.

  • Offer an average electric range of 30 to 50 miles.


Let's explore the 2025 models to look out for:


2025 BEV Models

2025 PHEV Models

  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz 

  • Volkswagen ID.7

  • Land Rover Range Rover EV

  • Chrysler Airflow

  • Volvo XC60 EV

  • Volvo EX90

  • Ram 1500 REV

  • Toyota Tacoma EV

  • Jeep Recon

  • Cadillac Vistiq 

  • Nissan Maxima 

  • Polestar 5 

  • Chevrolet Corvette EV 

  • BMW Vision Neue Klasse

  • Hyundai Ioniq 9

  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio EV

  • Volvo ES90 

  • Buick Electra

  • Chevy Bolt

  • Kia EV4

  • Ford Bronco 

  • Ford Escape 

  • Ford Ranger 

  • Jeep Gladiator 4xe

  • Audi RS5 Avant Plug-in Hybrid

  • Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid




For more information about specific models and to learn when they will become available, contact our Dealer Partners Network. Many of these models might be eligible for federal tax credits, which can significantly reduce the purchase cost.


If you would like to learn more about driving electric, check out Ameren Missouri EV resources. 


Ask The Ameren EV Expert

​What is the expected life span of the battery in an EV?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to revolutionize the automotive industry, one of the most common questions that arise is: How long do electric vehicle batteries last? 


Electric vehicle batteries, primarily lithium-ion batteries, are designed to last for many years. On average, an EV battery can last between 10 to 20 years (around 200,000 miles) depending on several factors including the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits and climate conditions. It’s important to note, that there is a longer warranty period for EVs than there are for traditional gas vehicles, as the government has mandated all EV manufacturers warranty batteries for a minimum of up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, and some manufacturers extend the warranty beyond that.


Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Battery 

1Charging Practices

How you charge your EV can influence battery lifespan. Just like cell phone battery maintenance, regularly charging to 100% or frequently depleting the battery to 0% can be harmful over time. Ideally, maintaining a charge between 20% and 80% is recommended for optimal battery health. 


Most EV drivers charge their vehicles overnight at home, which helps maintain optimal battery health and ensures an adequately charged vehicle each morning. This approach minimizes the need for fast-charging stations, which can accelerate battery wear. 


Charging at home overnight saves EV drivers money by allowing customers to take advantage of Ameren Missouri’s off-peak/on-peak rate options, and avoiding extra fees for utilizing public DC Fast Chargers. While modern EVs can handle fast-charging, overnight charging is gentler, more cost-effective and more convenient for maintaining battery health.


2. Battery Care

Just like a traditional gas vehicle, it’s important for EV drivers to pre-condition their vehicles for weather conditions to help maintain their battery, and extend its life. During extreme weather, it’s best to turn the vehicle on before hitting the road, giving the battery time to ‘warm up’ before driving around town in winter cold or summer heat. Batteries also tend to charger faster, and last longer, when they’ve been pre-conditioned! Most EVs offer a remote start feature, allowing drivers to prep their vehicle without entering it. This way, EV drivers can prepare their vehicles without leaving the garage, as EVs have zero tailpipe emissions.


3. Battery Design

Just like cell phone batteries have improved over the years, so have EV batteries. With more competition in the market and advanced technology, batteries are becoming not only more powerful, but also less expensive to produce, benefitting the driver greatly. Newer EV batteries have a longer expected lifespans, and include better climate-control features to help prevent degradation. 


As EV technology advances, the likelihood of needing a battery replacement is decreasing. However, if you do need to replace the battery, the cost is gradually coming down as technology improves and more options become available. New opportunities like battery recycling are enhancing the battery availability and eco-friendliness for EV drivers. Companies like Redwood Materials are advancing the battery recycling and manufacturing process, eliminating the need for new raw materials, and increasing the sustainability of driving electric. 


EV News

​KSDK's Paul Cook Explores EV Benefits with Ameren 

Watch as Paul Cook from KSDK gets behind the wheel of an EV for the first time, and discovers the many benefits of driving electric. Accompanied by Mark Minden, Efficient Electrification & Product Development Executive at Ameren Illinois, together they discuss regenerative braking, lower maintenance costs, and fast acceleration rates. 


The lower maintenance costs are of even more benefit to Missouri drivers, as the emissions test isn’t required to update your license plate!
PHEVs and EVs are exempt from this law as they produce fewer or no tailpipe emissions. 

Watch the Full Interview

​Community Solar

​Upcoming Events

EV 101: An Introduction to Electric Vehicles

Learn More

September 18 

Join us for an interactive and fun virtual presentation, “EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles.” In this engaging event, you will learn about different types of EVs and their benefits, how easy they are to charge at home and on the road, available vehicle purchasing incentives, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions with an EV expert! 


Virtual Event

 Wednesday, September 18th

 12:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

National Drive Electric Week 

Wings-N-Wheels Fly-In Car Show

Learn More

September 28-29th

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! Get behind the wheel, and take an EV out for a test drive at our free, Ride and Drive Event, in partnership with the 28th Annual Wings-N-Wheels Fly-In Car Show. 

  

EV Ride & Drive & Experience Center

Saturday, September 28  

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


EV Experience Center 

Sunday, September 29 

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


St. Louis Regional Airport

8 Terminal Drive, East Alton, IL, 62024


Maryland Heights Tons of Trucks Ride & Drive

Learn More

October 5th

We’re bringing community members a second opportunity to test drive an EV this National Drive Electric Week! Take an EV out for a spin, check out a variety of makes and models, and get a firsthand experience of heavy-duty electric work trucks at our Ride & Drive Event at the Tons of Trucks in Maryland Heights! 

  

EV Ride & Drive 

Saturday, October 5  

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater 

14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043