Ameren Missouri EV Newsletter - Fall 2024
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!
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.
Maryland Heights Tons of Trucks Event
Saturday, Oct 5th
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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
- 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.
- 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.

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 |
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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
1. Charging 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
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.

Upcoming Events

EV 101: An Introduction to Electric Vehicles
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
National Drive Electric Week
Wings-N-Wheels Fly-In Car Show
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
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