East St. Louis installs fast-charge station for electric vehicles

The city of East St. Louis has installed a public direct-current fast-charging station for electric vehicles at its municipal building, 301 River Park Drive.

Ameren Illinois helped pay for the charger and related electrical upgrades through a mix of its clean-energy programs, including Community Engagement and Consultation, ChargeReady and the Market Development Initiative, according to a news release from Ameren.

The programs are funded under Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, it said.

City Manager Robert Betts said the station can charge some vehicles to about 80% in less than an hour. Ameren Illinois said it worked with city leaders and local stakeholders to plan the project and provide technical assistance.

Keyla Ward, a manager in Ameren Illinois’ clean energy transition efforts, called the project a model for partnerships intended to expand access to charging infrastructure in communities that face financial and other barriers.