So you‘re considering an electric vehicle (EV) but not sure how feasible ownership is in Missouri? This comprehensive guide has you covered on all aspects – from charging availability to cost breakdowns and more. I‘ll provide detailed insights as an EV analyst to help you evaluate if now is the right time to go electric in the Show Me State.
The Current State of Missouri‘s EV Infrastructure
Missouri is behind the curve on EV infrastructure compared to leading states. As of 2022, Missouri had:
- ~2,300 public charging ports statewide
- 325 DC fast charging ports
- Chargers concentrated around major metros like Kansas City and St. Louis
To put those figures into perspective, here is how Missouri compares on chargers per EV currently on the road:
| State | Charging Ports | EVs On Road | Ports per EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 73,000 | 1,050,000 | 69 |
| Missouri | 2,300 | 6,700 | 34 |
So Missouri has some catching up to do. The good news? The state is slated to receive over $100 million in federal funding to expand charging networks under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. So expect rapid improvement in coming years.
Charging Logistics: What to Expect
Missouri‘s limited charging infrastructure makes public charging tougher compared to other states. But with smart charging strategies, most EVs provide enough range for daily needs:
- Home Charging: Installing a Level 2 charger is key for reliable charging
- A Level 2 charger provides 10-25 miles of range per hour of charging
- Cost = $0.12 per kWh x battery size. So $11 to fully charge a 90 kWh battery
- Public Charging: DC fast chargers can fill gaps when extra range is needed
- A DC fast charger can add 60-100+ miles of range in 15-30 minutes
- Cost = ~$0.28 per kWh, so $28 for a full charge session
EV Ownership Cost Breakdown in Missouri
Upfront EV prices carry premiums over gas cars, but lower operating costs balance things out over your ownership period:
| EV Model | Base MSRP | Electricity Cost (300 mi) | Est. Gas Savings Over 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD | $46,990 | $23 | $6,000 |
| 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning SR | $41,769 | $35 | $10,000+ |
| 2022 Kia EV6 SR | $40,900 | $31 | $5,500 |
Regional electric rates and gas prices determine total cost differences. But in most scenarios, lifetime operational savings help offset higher initial EV prices.
Maintenance is also far cheaper without combustible engines – no oil changes, fuel system repairs, etc.
Missouri Incentives: What to Know
This is the one area where Missouri lags far behind almost every other state: EV tax credits & rebates.
Outside of some incentives for commercial charging infrastructure, Missouri offers no official rebates or credits for individual EV buyers as of 2023.
However, the state also doesn’t levy EV fees that states like Illinois impose. So you avoid penalties just for driving electric at least!
The Bottom Line
Transitioning to an EV in Missouri will require adjusting expectations around charging access and trip planning compared to gas cars. But for most drivers needs, owning an EV is very feasible.
Rapid ongoing infrastructure growth will continue expanding charging access over the next 5 years. And operational savings help balance sticker prices over time.
So for Missouri drivers able to navigate some early limitations, going electric now presents fantastic value given where market momentum is headed long term. Reach out if you need any guidance or have questions!
