As it stands, driving an electric vehicle in Missouri can be difficult. The state lacks sufficient chargers on major roadways.
On the 235-mile stretch on I-70 from St. Louis to Kansas City, there are only three electric charging stations. Ameren Missouri is doing something to improve that.
The program approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission on February 7, will spend $4.4 million over five years. The money will allow Ameren customers to provide electric vehicle charging stations.
Renew Missouri Executive Director James Owen says this change should attract more drivers to go electric.
“Ultimately this is kind of a chicken and the egg question,” Owen said. “Does the charging stations lead to more electric vehicles, or does more electric vehicles lead to more charging stations? My opinion is more people would drive these if they knew they could get across the state at the very least.”
An Ameren Missouri map that includes proposed placements has new charging stations popping up on major roadways like I-70 and I-44. Each location must have two high-speed ports and two low-speed ports.
Steve Wills, director of rates and analysis, says while there isn’t currently a concrete timeline for the charging stations, he hopes the program will get started soon.