As a Midwestern state with low cost of living, Missouri is becoming an increasingly popular destination for families and individuals looking to relocate. But how EV-friendly is the Show Me State for drivers considering going electric? In this comprehensive guide, we analyze everything you need to know about owning an electric vehicle in Missouri – from infrastructure and charging costs to purchase incentives and environmental benefits.
Current State of EV Adoption in Missouri
Compared to leading EV adoption states like California and New York, Missouri has some catching up to do when it comes to electric vehicle infrastructure and overall adoption. As of June 2021, there were only around 6,740 electric vehicles on Missouri roads. For comparison, California had over 630,000 plug-in electric vehicles registered at that time.
Clearly Missouri has yet to experience major EV growth on par with the nation‘s leaders. There are a couple likely reasons behind Missouri‘s lower adoption rates:
Limited Charging Infrastructure – With around 2,300 public charging stations statewide as of 2023, options are still sparse outside major metro areas. Range anxiety likely deters some potential EV buyers.
Minimal Purchase Incentives – Unlike many states that offer rebates, tax credits, HOV lane access and additional perks to EV owners, Missouri currently has no notable consumer incentives in place. The economics for going electric are less compelling.
However, there are signs Missouri is aiming to become more EV-friendly as adoption rates rise nationally:
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Investment in Chargers: Through a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant, Missouri has $100 million allocated over 5 years to expand charging options.
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Solar Growth: As solar energy scales up in Missouri, the state‘s electricity mix gets cleaner. This enhances the environmental benefits of driving electric.
So while Missouri may not yet have the pieces in place for seamless, affordable EV ownership, momentum and political will are building behind the electrified future of transportation.
Availability of Public Charging Stations
For drivers considering an EV purchase today, how easy is it to find charging stations for topping up around Missouri?
The state currently has over 2,300 public charging ports according to Department of Energy data. The vast majority are Level 2 stations offering decent charging speeds, with faster DC fast charging options still limited.
Here‘s a breakdown of where Missouri‘s EV charging infrastructure stands in terms of geographic availability:
Metro Hubs: As expected, the vast majority of charging stations are located around major population centers like Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Branson. These cities offer the highest density of options.
Interstate Highways: Key interstates including I-70, I-44, I-55 and I-35 have charging sites in place along corridors for enabling longer trips. But coverage remains spotty in rural regions.
Statewide Networks: Two main nationwide charging networks operate stations across Missouri – ChargePoint and EVgo. These provide essential connectivity for EV drivers traveling through the state.
So while Missouri‘s charger availability lags most states, amenities do exist for navigating main highways and population centers with an EV today. Infrastructure build-out will also continue ramping up markedly over the next 5 years as funding flows to fill gaps.
Types of Charging Stations Available
For EV owners, being aware of the various electric car charging connector types and power levels is key to maximizing efficiency and convenience. Here‘s a quick guide to the stations Missouri motorists will encounter:
J1772: The J Plug is the standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. It delivers 120V to 240V power for slow to mid-speed charging. All non-Tesla EVs are compatible.
CHAdeMO: Typically found on fast chargers, the CHAdeMO plug provides high-voltage DC power between 200V to 500V for rapid charging compatible vehicles. Common in Japanese EVs.
CCS: The Combined Charging System combo plug supports faster 240V AC charging and high power DC fast charging for American and European EV models via a single port.
Tesla Supercharger: Tesla‘s proprietary charging network delivers 200V to 250V DC power for ultra-fast charging of Tesla vehicles exclusively. Adapters allow Teslas to use J1772 plugs also.
So in summary, while Missouri‘s charging landscape has room for expansion, EV drivers passing through should have access to essential plug types like J1772, CCS and CHAdeMO to power their vehicles. Tesla owners can tap into the nationwide Supercharger network as well.
Cost Breakdown of Owning a Top EV in Missouri
What does powering up and maintaining an electric vehicle really cost annually for Show Me State drivers? Here we analyze total cost of ownership figures for four top-selling EV models.
Tesla Model 3
Arguably the most popular electric car in America, the Tesla Model 3 has won over buyers with cutting edge tech and blistering performance at an entry luxury price point. In Missouri, here‘s a cost breakdown for owning the rear-wheel Long Range Model 3:
Base Price: $46,900
Driving Range: 358 Miles
Home Charging: $0.12 per kWh | Full Charge = $7.20
Public Charging: $0.28 per kWh | Full Charge = $22.96
Maintenance Costs: Lower. No oil changes needed. Newer brakes.
Incentives/Tax Credits: None Available
With super cheap "fueling" via home charging, the Model 3 provides an estimated yearly energy cost of just $870 for a typical 15,000 mile of driving. Savings versus a 30MPG gas car average over $1,400/year.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The first mainstream electric pickup, Ford‘s F-150 Lightning brings zero emissions and next-gen tech to America‘s best-selling vehicle line. Here‘s what Missouri owners can expect:
Base Price: $41,769
Driving Range: 320 Miles
Home Charging: $0.12 per kWh | Full Charge = $12.48
Public Charging: $0.36 per kWh | Full Charge = $47.16
Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
Incentives/Tax Credits: None Available
With the ability to power tools on job sites via built-in power outlets, the Lightning emerges as a compelling EV option even for truck owners. Home charging annual costs come in around $1,150 driving 12,000 miles.
Kia EV6
The first dedicated EV model by Kia, the sleek crossover EV6 combines sports car-like performance with SUV practicality and amenities for under $50,000:
Base Price: $40,900
Driving Range: 232 Miles
Home Charging: $0.12 per kWh | Full Charge = $6.96
Public Charging: $0.26 per kWh | Full Charge = $20.12
0-60 Acceleration: Under 5 Seconds
Incentives/Tax Credits: None Available
For Missouri drivers able to charge daily at home, the affordably-priced EV6 can deliver a premium electric vehicle ownership experience without excessive running costs over time.
Subaru Solterra
Adventurous vehicle maker Subaru‘s first all-electric model brings familiar AWD capability and ruggedness to an eco-friendly compact SUV package:
Base Price: $45,000
Driving Range: 228 Miles
Home Charging: $0.12 per kWh | Full Charge = $8.74
Public Charging: $0.26 per kWh | Full Charge = $18.92
Ground Clearance: 8.3 Inches
Incentives/Tax Credits: None Available
The Solterra provides modest overall range but enables Subaru loyalists craving traction and control the option of going electric without sacrificing functionality. Costs stay reasonable for a premium brand model as well.
Based on our analysis, Missouri drivers can save $800 to over $1,500 yearly fueling with electricity versus gas depending on EV model, charging scenarios and mileage. And with advanced battery tech, modern EVs require far less maintenance too.
Over 5+ years of ownership, an EV buyer could potentially save upwards of $10,000 factoring in lower energy and operations costs despite higher upfront vehicle prices. The fuel savings help offset the lack of purchase incentives in Missouri.
Outlook for EV Adoption Incentives in Missouri
For states seeking to accelerate EV adoption, consumer incentives like tax credits, rebates, HOV lane access and registration perks are common programs for closing cost gaps versus gas cars.
Unfortunately Missouri currently offers no significant incentives targeted exclusively towards individual electric car, truck or SUV buyers:
Tax Credits: No state or local credits. Federal $7,500 credit still applies.
Rebates: Only 1 minor $500 incentive for adding home charger as Evergy customer.
HOV Lane Access: No EV carpool lane exemptions.
So bulk of savings for going electric in Missouri must come from fuel cost reductions compared to gas models. Value proposition still compelling over 5+ years of ownership, but state incentives would make transition more affordable.
The question is – will political winds in Missouri shift enough for policymakers to put EV buyer incentives in place as adoption rises?
Given the state‘s conservative leanings, major tax credits or cash back programs remain unlikely near term. However, incentives specifically for commercial EV fleets would carry more appeal and still help scale adoption.
So while Missouri may continue lagging incentive-rich states like California and New York, targeted subsidies supporting wider economic growth could emerge down the road.
The Bottom Line – Owning an EV in Missouri
At present, Missouri‘s charging infrastructure and EV purchase incentives still have maturing to do before the state becomes a leader in electric vehicle adoption.
But for intrepid drivers willing to embrace the next generation of sustainable transportation ahead of the curve, owning an EV in Missouri can deliver a quality, tech-enhanced driving experience today with substantial fuel savings over time.
My outlook is for charging networks to expand markedly over the next 5 years as funding flows to fill gaps, making range anxiety a diminishing obstacle. Consumer education around EVs will also keep growing as neighbors and peers adopt models matching their needs.
While the Show Me state may not be the optimal destination right now strictly for easy, affordable EV ownership, momentum is clearly building behind the Teslas, Lightnings and EV6s paving the way for a full electrified future ahead for all Missouri motorists.
So for the EV curious – come take charge with the pioneers leading the way, and let‘s show America how embracing cutting-edge advancements can pay dividends down the road. The economic and environmental benefits promise to make it all worthwhile for Missouri in due time.
