Ameren Missouri EV Newsletter - Spring 2025
Ameren Missouri EV Newsletter - Spring 2025
From January 9-12, 2025, thousands of car enthusiasts gathered at the America’s Center Convention Complex for the 2025 St. Louis Auto Show. As a proud sponsor, Ameren participated with the Electric Vehicle (EV) Experience Center, giving attendees a hands-on look at the future of electric transportation.
At the Ameren EV Experience Center visitors had the opportunity to explore an electric school bus, an E-Transit Ford cargo van, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV, seeing firsthand how electrification is transforming both personal and commercial transportation. Inside the cargo van, guests not only had the chance to step inside and explore but also to capture the moment at our “Watts of Memories” photo booth, taking home a fun keepsake from the event.
Beyond the interactive displays, more than 8,000 attendees connected with Ameren’s team to explore the future of EVs. Through conversations and an on-site survey, a few key topics took center stage—charging at home, public charging, EVs in communities, and cost savings. Here’s what stood out:
- Charging at Home: Many attendees were especially interested in home charging, and for good reason. The idea of skipping gas stations for good sparked plenty of curiosity—and the good news is, it’s simpler and more affordable than many expect. EVs plug into a standard wall outlet, making charging easy and accessible.
- Charging overnight: Attendees learned that overnight charging is not only convenient but can also lead to additional savings with Ameren rate options. Charging overnight at home can cost the equivalent of just $1 per gallon of gasoline—or even less.
- Charging on the Go: Attendees got an up-close look at a DC Fast Charger on display, highlighting the infrastructure that keeps EVs powered on the road. As of March 2025, St. Louis is home to 2,155 public charging stations, including both Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers, according to PlugShare—a number that continues to grow.
- EVs in the Community: The electric school bus was a crowd favorite, drawing interest from families and children. More than just a new way to ride, these buses eliminate diesel fumes, improving air quality for students and the community. Attendees were especially interested in these health benefits, along with the 40% lower maintenance costs and the potential for schools to save up to $100,000 over the bus's lifetime.
- EV Savings: A major topic of conversation was the cost advantage of EVs. Visitors explored 3D models of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, offering a side-by-side comparison of their differences and benefits—from fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs to long-term fuel savings. Wondering how an EV might fit your budget? Use our Savings Calculator to compare costs and see potential savings.
As you plan for the future of electric transportation, put us on your list of resources. From charging programs and rate options to tools that help you calculate savings, we're here to support you. Visit us anytime at Ameren.com/EV.
EV Highlights
Ritenour School District Deploys 24 Electric School Buses
Earlier this year, the Ritenour community in North St. Louis County marked an exciting milestone with the arrival of its first three electric school buses. The district was awarded a $9.5 million grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program to replace 24 diesel buses with electric models and install necessary charging infrastructure. Ameren Missouri has played a key role in supporting the project from its initial planning stages to the installation of utility equipment for the new chargers.
Ritenour is committed to providing cleaner transportation for its students and reducing emissions in the community..
Read more about Ritenour School District's Electric Bus Transition.
Ask The Ameren EV Expert
The Long-Term Savings of Driving Electric
No oil changes, transmission fluids, or exhaust system issues
Brakes last longer thanks to regenerative braking
Half the lifetime maintenance costs compared to a gas-powered vehicle
The cost to charge an EV at home is about the equivalent of paying $1 per gallon of gas
On average, EV drivers save up to $1,300 a year on fuel
Over five years, that’s more than $6,500 in fuel savings
EV Insights
Older EV Models? Here's How to Stay Powered Up with an Adapter
NACS, originally developed by Tesla, is becoming the dominant charging standard as more automakers adopt it for their future EV models. While newer EVs (2025 and later) may come equipped with a built-in NACS port, older models—typically those produced before 2025—will likely need an adapter to access NACS chargers.
Adapters are small devices that connect to a charging station's power source and then to a car's charging port, ensuring compatibility across different charging standards. Designed for convenience, they are compact and easy to store in your vehicle. These adapters are especially useful for EV owners who charge at various station types. As the market transitions to the NACS standard, they are quickly becoming an essential accessory for many drivers. Learn more about EV adapters.
- J1772-to-NACS adapter: Allows EVs with J1772 ports—the standard for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging—to connect to NACS charging stations, ensuring older models can use the expanding NACS infrastructure.
CHAdeMO-to-NACS adapter: Designed for vehicles that use the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard, primarily found in Japanese EV models like those from Nissan and Mitsubishi. This adapter enables access to NACS-compatible fast chargers.
NACS-to-CCS/J1772 adapter: As the charging infrastructure transitions to NACS, some newer EVs equipped with NACS ports may need an adapter to charge at existing CCS or J1772 charging stations. These adapters ensure that NACS-compatible vehicles can still access a wide range of charging locations, maintaining flexibility and convenience during the transition period.
While some dealerships include adapters when you purchase a new or used EV, it’s important to ask about them—especially if you’re buying a pre-owned vehicle. Make sure to inquire about the right adapter for your car to avoid any surprises down the road.
Not all adapters are created equal, and using the wrong one could lead to compatibility issues or even damage your vehicle. Before purchasing, check with your EV manufacturer to see if adapters are recommended for your make and model. Many automakers provide guidance on approved adapters that ensure safe and reliable charging. Avoid buying the first adapter you find online—do your research and choose one that meets your vehicle’s specifications.
With the right adapter in hand, you can confidently charge your EV at a wide range of stations, keeping your driving experience as smooth and efficient as ever.
Upcoming Events
Saint Louis Science Center EV Experience and EV Ride & Drive
Virtual EV 101: A Brief Introduction to Electric Vehicles
EV Experience Center
March 22, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
March 23, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Start your journey with a virtual EV 101 event, then head down to the Science Center for a two-day EV Experience including:
- Check out a variety of vehicles
- Take a vehicle for a test drive
- Learn about charging at home and on the go
- Explore a 3d look inside an EV
- Play EV trivia to win prizes
- And more!
Ameren Missouri EV Ride & Drive:
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of the latest EV models, take one for a spin, learn about charging and more!