March 4, 2024:

Governor Dan McKee and OER, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the launch of a survey to assist in the design of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Phase 2 Program, which will see the expansion of charging stations to more locations.

This survey targets various stakeholders in Rhode Island, including the public, municipalities, local businesses and non-profits, EV infrastructure manufacturers and suppliers. It aims to gather feedback from these stakeholders regarding electric vehicle usage and the placement of charging stations. Public input is a crucial step to shaping a successful Phase 2 of the NEVI program.

Interested in participating? Click here to take the survey!

December 20, 2023:

The McKee Administration announced two additional direct current fast chargers (DCFC) at two Park & Ride locations, Ashaway and Warwick, for a total of four new direct current fast charger electric vehicle charging stations to fulfill the Federal requirements.

These documents aim to answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the charging stations and the project overall.

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program

Signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides states with $7.5 billion to help make EV charging more accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. This $7.5 billion comprises the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the $2.5 Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure. 

Rhode Island will receive a total of $23 million in dedicated formula funding over a 5-year period. 

The RI Office of Energy Resources is the lead agency in charge of managing the NEVI RI EV Infrastructure Plan in partnership with the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).

The initial focus of this funding (Phase 1) is for states to strategically deploy Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations along its designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), to help build out the national EV AFC network.
I-95 is Rhode Island’s only Alternative Fuel Corridor. 

After Phase 1 is complete, the state may use NEVI Formula Program funds for EV charging infrastructure on any public road or other publicly accessible location (Phase 2).