Ameren, Missouri has been offering incentives to businesses that install EV charging stations to their parking lots as a part of their new initiative. The Charge Ahead initiative is influencing business and facility owners to add EV charging stations by distributing $5 million to local businesses. Ameren is offering to reimburse businesses up to 50% when they install the new infrastructures that can be expensive without assistance. The cost of chargers can be around $7,000. Missouri spent $1 million in business incentives in charging station projects at businesses and apartment complexes across the state.

Local municipalities have been investing in EV stations as the need for them rise due to electric vehicles becoming more popular. According to the Mayor of Alderman, Missouri, they may be passing a bill requiring future single-family homes to have the proper wiring set up in case the buyer wants to install an EV charger in their home.

“Our incentive program really helps more businesses across the whole state to be able to provide those charging stations and, you know, help ease that range anxiety, for folks that are considering an EV as their next car,” said Bryan Shannon, Ameren’s business development manager for on-road electrification.

Click here to read the full story originally posted Nov. 22, 2021 on STL Public Radio