Missouri Public Service Commission launches program for electric vehicle charging stations

The Missouri Public Service Commission is launching a pilot program with Ameren Missouri to create electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along highways in the state.

“Creating a sufficient charging network throughout Ameren Missouri’s territory and the state as a whole decreases ‘range anxiety’ by giving consumers the confidence that they can safely travel in their EV throughout the state and be able to charge the EV as needed,” commission officials said. “Thus, decreasing ‘range anxiety’ should increase EV adoption by removing this barrier.”

The program will encourage a more rapid build-out of EV charging stations in Missouri.

“The evidence shows that there are already a number of EVs in the state of Missouri and that the number is expected to grow. However, the evidence also showed that there is significant ‘range anxiety’ as there is not a reliable network on the main travel corridors in Missouri to support EV travel to all parts of the state,” commission officials said. “This is one of the key deterrents to purchasing an EV. Once that ‘range anxiety’ is diminished, it is very likely that more people will adopt this technology. Greater adoption will likely contribute to home charging during off-peak hours on a regular basis and provide a more efficient grid utilization to the benefit of both the Company and the ratepayers.”

Ameren Missouri will provide incentives to entities seeking to build EV charging stations, which will likely encourage greater EV adoption going forward.

“The evidence showed that without financial incentives, it is not feasible at this time for the private sector to implement public fast-charging stations along Missouri’s highway corridors anytime soon,” the commission said.

The pilot program has a budget cap of $4.4 million and will be done within five years.