East St. Louis advances electric vehicle infrastructure with public DC fast charging station
Mark Minden, beneficial electrification executive for Ameren Illinois; Keyla Ward, manager Clean Energy Transition, Market Development Initiative for Ameren Illinois, and East St. Louis City Manager Robert Betts, stand in front of one of the new DC fast‑charging electric vehicle stations installed on City Hall property. The City of East St. Louis and Ameren Illinois unveiled the two new charging stations Monday morning that are capable of charging four different vehicles at the same time. (Photo by Brian Bretsch/Ameren Illinois)
Ameren Illinois’ collaborative approach helps bring sustainable transportation to the region
East St. Louis is taking a major step toward a cleaner, more connected future with the installation of a public DC fast‑charging electric vehicle station at its municipal building at 301 River Park Drive.
A suite of Ameren Illinois’ clean energy programs – Community Engagement and Consultation (CEC), ChargeReady, and the Market Development Initiative (MDI) – helped cover the cost of the EV station and electric infrastructure upgrades. The programs, funded through the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), provide access to clean energy resources and ensure the benefits are available to communities facing resource barriers.
Ameren Illinois worked closely with East St. Louis leaders and local stakeholders to align the programs with the city’s aspirations, overcome the funding challenge, and provide technical assistance to move the project forward.
“This project is about more than new charging stations—it’s an investment in our city’s future,” said East St. Louis City Manager Robert Betts. “By partnering with Ameren Illinois, we’re ensuring our residents will have a key resource available that will make the transition to cleaner, efficient transportation options more equitable.” Betts noted the charging station will deliver direct current (DC) directly to the vehicle’s battery and can reach an 80 percent charge in under one hour.
In addition to delivering the clean energy benefit, the charging station supports long‑term economic development goals by increasing traffic near municipal services and positioning East St. Louis as a participant in Illinois’ growing clean‑energy economy. The project demonstrates how targeted utility programs can foster local investment, social equity, and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership shows what’s possible when communities and energy partners work side by side toward a shared vision,” said Keyla Ward, manager, Clean Energy Transition, Market Development Initiative for Ameren Illinois. “East St. Louis identified the need, and together we built a pathway to make it real.”
For more on Ameren Illinois’ EV Charging programs, visit Ameren.com/ElectricVehicles/Charging.
Mark Minden, beneficial electrification executive, Ameren Illinois demonstrates how the new DC fast-charging station works as he plugs the charging device into an all-electric Ameren Illinois Rivian truck. (Photo by Brian Bretsch/Ameren Illinois)
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Its service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and its mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow at @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois.
