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Ameren Missouri EV Newsletter - Spring 2024


​Auto Show Goers Experience Electric

Thousands of attendees at the 2024 St. Louis Auto Show engaged with EV experts at the Ameren EV Experience Center. Hosted at the America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis from January 18 to 21, the center offered a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, showcasing the latest in EV technology and the ease and convenience of EV charging, both at home and on the go.


Interactive displays, including 3D car models, allowed visitors to see firsthand the differences between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, highlighting their efficiency, environmental benefits, and potential cost savings. Did you know that a BEV has only about 20 moving parts versus an ICE vehicle that has more than 2,000? That's just one example of the fascinating facts visitors learned through the 3D car models.

A major highlight was the diverse range of EVs on display, including models like the Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Tesla Model 3, each demonstrating the variety of options available to suit different lifestyles. Visitors had the chance to explore these EVs up close, delving into their technology and functionality. In a creative showcase of practicality, a mini-fridge filled with bottles of water was plugged into the trunk of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, demonstrating the vehicle's utility and versatility. 


The Ameren EV Experience Center provided hands-on learning and inspired visitors to consider an EV for their lifestyle. With the valuable feedback collected from 1,472 survey responses we will be shaping the future of our EV initiatives, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs and interests of our customers.


Missed the St. Louis Auto Show or want to learn more about EVs? Visit Ameren.com/EV for more information.

​EV Owner Spotlight

Curiosity to Conviction

Hi there - This is Tim Clauss and I've called St. Louis, MO, home for my entire life. Moving from the suburbs to the city after the kids left the nest has opened a new chapter for me and my wife. Adjusting to city life has been an adventure, filled with new experiences and discoveries, one of which was my dive into the world of EVs.The first time I drove an EV, my Kia EV6, it was a revelation, and I would like to share what I have discovered from my experience:

  • Silent Drive: The silence was golden, and the acceleration was a thrill I hadn't expected. It felt like stepping into the future every time I pressed the accelerator, especially when I discovered the sport mode.

  • Innovative Features: One aspect I hadn't anticipated was how quickly I'd adapt to the new driving style, particularly the regenerative braking. This feature, which helps slow the car when you lift your foot off the accelerator, was fascinating. My EV even has a setting that allows me to drive using just one pedal, making stops and starts seamless and intuitive.

  • Less Maintenance: The minimal maintenance required for an EV was a strong selling point. I still laugh when I think back to the dealer talking about setting up oil changes as if it were just another part of the deal, only to realize that my EV doesn't need any.

For anyone considering an EV, I'd say the transition is smoother than you might think. The convenience of charging at home, even with just a standard outlet, meets my daily needs perfectly. The drive is exceptionally quiet and clean, ideal for city life with its frequent stops and starts.


To those still undecided, my suggestion is to take an EV for a spin. It's a wholly different experience that could change your mind about what you want in a car. My wife, who's been keen on EVs for a while now, is likely to join the EV club soon, motivated by the sheer pleasure of driving one.


By sharing my journey, I hope to encourage others to consider making the switch to an EV. It's not just about choosing a new car; it's about embracing a lifestyle that's kinder to our planet, quieter on our streets, and simply more fun to drive.

Share Your Story

​EV Insights

EVs in the Community

Have you noticed a change on the streets of Missouri? If you are out and about you may start noticing more electric vehicles (EVs) silently passing by. This isn't by chance; it's a sign of school districts, businesses and municipalities embracing the transition to electrification and taking advantage of the benefits of EVs. 

More and more frequently you may encounter EVs in your everyday life. From delivery vans, to school buses, to public and private fleet vehicles. We are thrilled by the efforts of communities across Missouri to support the transition to EVs. Ameren is dedicated to supporting this shift by providing assistance, expertise, and even incentives. Through our Charge Ahead program, we offer resources and incentives to support electrification for businesses, multi-unit dwellings, and public charging infrastructure. In addition, Ameren is systematically modernizing the grid and replacing aging infrastructure through our Smart Energy Plan in Missouri, including investments to ensure the grid remains reliable, resilient and robust.   

For more information, visit Ameren's Electric Fleet Vehicles page.

​​​Ask the Ameren EV Expert

What is the cost to charge an EV at home?

Imagine this: it's the end of a long day, and you pull your EV into the garage and plug it in. As it begins to charge, you're struck by a curious thought, "What's the real cost of this convenience?" Well, let's clarify that today!


The expense can vary, depending on your vehicle's model and your driving habits. To give you a general idea, consider this: what you'd typically spend on $3 of gasoline can often cover the cost of $1 for EV charging. It's this level of cost-efficiency that highlights the financial advantage of electric vehicle ownership.


Every journey is unique, just like every EV commute. Wondering about your specific savings potential? Our EV Commute Calculator is your personal financial navigator, guiding you through your daily commute savings. For a broader view, our EV Savings Calculator can highlight the overall impact of switching to electric on your budget.


This isn't just about numbers; it's about the freedom and joy of driving past gas stations with a full "tank" and a fuller wallet. Charging at home isn't just convenient; it's a smart financial move towards a sustainable future. Expanded rate options give you the power to choose the rate that fits your lifestyle giving you the power to save even more!

Ask Your Question

​Your Voice

We're eager to delve deeper into customer experiences and perceptions around EVs, covering everything from home charging and utility programs to the decision-making process and challenges in adoption. 

Whether you're an EV driver or not, we invite you to share your insights by participating in Plug In America’s Annual Survey. It's a chance to voice your thoughts on a range of topics related to EVs, requiring only about 15 minutes of your time.

​Upcoming Events

Virtual EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles

March 19, 2024

Register


Join us for an interactive introduction to EVs in this engaging virtual event, in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center. Learn about different types of EVs and their benefits, how easy they are to charge at home and on the road, vehicle purchasing incentives available for buyers, and much more. You’ll also have the opportunity to have your EV questions answered by EV experts! 


March 19, 2024

12 p.m. - 1 p.m. CT

or

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT

* Registration is required.

Saint Louis Science Center Electric Vehicle Experience and Ride & Drive Event

March 19, 2024

Register


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!

The Saint Louis Science Center is pleased to partner with Ameren Missouri for this exclusive Electric Vehicle (EV) Experience and Ride & Drive event.

Ride & Drive:

Saturday, March 23, 2024

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Saint Louis Science Center

5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Limited spots available.


EV Experience Center:

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saint Louis Science Center

5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110



Ameren at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival!

April 20-21, 2024

Learn More


Join us at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival, set for April 20-21, 2024. This exciting event takes place at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park, from 11 am to 5 pm on both days. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate advances in EV technology and take a closer look at how we can contribute to a more efficient and technologically savvy future.

We hope to see you there!