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Electric Vehicle Charging

Charging your vehicle is easy and more convenient, and costs less than fueling with gasoline.

 

Find a charging solution that meets your needs

Level 1 Charger

  • Provides 4-5 miles of range per hour
  • Ideal for daily commutes of 40 miles or less
  • Plug directly into a standard outlet
  • No other special charging equipment needed
  • Typically provided with EV purchase for home charging

Level 2 Charger

  • Provides ~25 miles of range per hour
  • Ideal for longer daily commutes
  • Requires a 240V outlet (similar to a dryer outlet) which will need a certified electrician to install
  • Commonly used at home, work, or public locations where vehicles are sitting idle for 2+ hours

Level 3 DC Fast Charger

  • Provides ~80% in 30 minutes or less
  • Ideal for quick stops on longer routes
  • Typically requires payment through a charging network app
  • Typically found along major highway corridors, public / private establishments

Explore ChargeSmart

Ameren Illinois offers a better way to charge when demand for electricity is lowest. Explore our programs to see how ChargeSmart will benefit you.

Don't want to enroll in ChargeSmart? You can help us keep our electrical grid efficient and resilient. Register your EV and charging station with us by self-reporting. This helps us balance the energy needs for all customers.

 

Get Ready at Home

Decide What Level of Charging is Right for You

Consider battery size, travel miles, and amount of time needed to charge.

Level 1: Use the EV charging unit or cord. This can plug into your standard wall outlet of 120-volt.

Level 2: You will need to install a 240V circuit to connect the Level 2 charging unit. Research based on EV models and driving habits.

  Level 1 Charging Level 2 Charging
How many miles do you drive per day? 1-50 miles 51+ miles
Do you require 100-200 miles of range in a single charge? No Yes
Are you able to charge the vehicle for at least 7 hours each evening? Yes No
Do you have access to workplace charging? Yes No

Research Home Charging Units

Now that you have made a charging decision, consider these recommendations, then let us help you:

  • Level 1: A dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended.
  • Level 2: A dedicated 240-volt, 20- or 40-amp circuit is recommended.

How Ameren Illinois can help:

Ready to start charging at home? Enroll in ChargeSmart to earn bill credits and reduce charging costs.

Need a charger? Contact our EV Partner Network for a certified installer. Also, you may qualify for a rebate on charger installation.

Use our EV Partner Network to Find a Certified Electrician

Electric Vehicle Partners have professional knowledge of current EV chargers and incentives and are a valuable resource to help customers safely charge at home.

Work with an Electrician to Conduct a Site Visit and Obtain a Quote

After using our EV Partner Network, invite the certified installer to your home for a site visit and quote. It is important to practice good safety measures. The electrician can determine your installation needs. Depending on the size and age of the home, there may not be sufficient electrical capacity, meaning a new electric service panel may have to be added.

Here are a few things to consider during and after your survey visit:

  1. Required upgrades based on your charging choice: Level 1 or Level 2
  2. Preferred installation location: inside or outside
  3. Cord distance to charging outlet or station
  4. Required installation permit(s); ask your city, village, or town administrators for codes
  5. Project timeline

Select an Electrician and Install

Now it is time to start taking advantage of charging at home. We encourage you to enroll in ChargeSmart to earn a monthly bill credit.

Residential customers will need to provide the following information to sign up for ChargeSmart:

  1. Year, make, model, and VIN of EV
  2. Information on charging equipment (Charger manufacturer, model, voltage, and amp rating)
  3. Certified installer information if applicable, including company information and ICC Docket number

With ChargeSmart, you can charge while you sleep to earn a bill credit. It is a whole house bill credit so be sure to use the program to your advantage and shift usage when it makes sense from high demand times to preferred charging times to earn a credits and charge for less. Keep in mind, a federal tax credit of up to 30% (up to $1,000) is available for residential charging installation. Be sure to save all your receipts to make filing for the credit easy using IRS Form 8911. Please consult with your tax professional to see how these credits can apply to you.

 

Installing Charging?

Looking to install charging? Our EV Partners program can help you find the right installation professional for your needs.

Find EV Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

General

While the industry continues to work towards standardizing, there are still a variety of plug types in the market today. Level 1 and Level 2 (AC) charging falls into two plug types: NACS (Tesla) or J1772 (all other auto manufacturers). For DC Fast Charging in North America, three different plug types can be found: NACS (Tesla), CCS (most other auto manufacturers) and CHAdeMO (less common). While there are many adapters becoming available, it is important to know what plug types your vehicle utilizes.
There are a lot of charging stations across the country and more are being installed daily. Charging apps like PlugShare provide a comprehensive mapping solution for all of your road trips. You can search for chargers in Illinois on our Charger Finder.
Over 90% of EV drivers charge at home. If you have a house with a garage or driveway, you can plug it in to “fuel up.” You are able to charge your car anywhere there is a regular 120V wall outlet present. You can also charge when you're out and about at hotels, grocery stores, workplaces, malls and more using public charging — some public and workplace charging stations are even free to use! You can search for chargers in Illinois on our Charger Finder.

Level 1 charger (120 volts): ~5 miles of added range per hour of charge
Level 2 charger (240 volts): ~25 miles of added range per hour of charge
Level 3 charger/DC fast charger: Up to ~80% charge in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle and type of charger. The larger the battery, the more time it will take to reach an 80% charge.

If you live in a multifamily dwelling and do not have access to a shared station or dedicated outlet at your unit, you will primarily utilize public stations installed throughout your community. You can also talk to your landlord, property owner, or workplace about taking advantage of local incentive programs to install charging stations at their sites. We anticipate seeing much more public fast-charging around town, and with this type of charging, you would be able to charge as needed.
Standard cord lengths are 18 feet but are available up to 25 feet. Cords should never be placed in walkways, or wrapped or draped over the vehicle.

Charging at Home

Yes, this is a standard but necessary certification for assuring safe and reliable operations.

Ameren recommends always consulting with a certified electrician who is properly trained and qualified.

Installers must be certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Have your installer contact the commission for more details on the process.

Depending on the charging cord that is included with your EV, you can plug into a regular wall outlet, utilize an existing 240V outlet (appliance outlet similar to those used for household dryers), or install a Level 2 charger at your home through a qualified electrician. Need help finding a qualified electrician? Ameren has many Electric Vehicle Partners that can assist with your at-home installation.
Ameren offers a comparison tool where customers can review different electric vehicle Level 2 charger models. Be sure to also check the charger manufacturer’s website for any warranty information or available incentives.
The cost of charging your vehicle varies depending on the model, your daily usage and what time of day you charge your vehicle. Ameren has rate options available that can benefit those who charge overnight. You can also calculate your commute savings potential on our EV Commute Calculator  and your overall savings potential on our EV Savings Calculator.

Charging Safety Considerations

  • Always select charging equipment that is certified to meet safety standards.
  • Never use extension cords or multiplug adapters when charging.
  • When utilizing a 120-volt AC outlet, ensure the outlet is rated for the required amperage (contact a certified electrician for verification if you are unsure).
  • Utilize a certified electrician when installing a 240v outlet to serve a level 2 charger.
  • Consider installing a commercial/industrial grade NEMA 14-50 receptable for your Level 2 home charger (instead of residential grade). While they are slightly more expensive, they are designed for long-duration, high load sessions, offering durability and reliability that often surpass a standard household outlet.
  • Keep in mind that charging cables are a trip hazard so be mindful of the cable's location.
  • Always maintain the charging station's components, replacing worn or damaged parts that can malfunction.
  • Visually inspect charging cords prior to charging.
  • Always read your owner's manual for charging guidance specific to your vehicle, as well as guidance specific to your charging equipment.
  • Cover outdoor equipment to prevent water damage.

A damaged charger is an unsafe charger, one that could cause harm to you or your EV when plugging it in.

  • Before plugging in your car, inspect the charger for apparent signs of damage.
  • Ensure the plug fastens snugly into the car’s charging port, as broken clips may prevent a secure and unsafe connection.

Some public charging stations are located conveniently in parking areas near shop entrances. However, other locations place chargers at the far corner of the lots. Use common sense and do not exit your car if you feel unsafe.

  • Keep the doors locked if you sit in the car while charging.
  • Lock the vehicle if you leave it unattended while charging.
  • Always be mindful of your surroundings.

Lastly, because EV charging often requires the use of technology, apps and digital forms of payment, it's important to keep cybersecurity in mind. Always use strong passwords and ensure that you are performing regular software updates as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

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