Electric Vehicles in
Rhode Island
Incentives, charging infrastructure, right-to-charge laws, and savings data for EV owners in Rhode Island.
Incentives & Credits
Fuel Savings
Right-to-Charge Law
Rhode Island does not currently have a right-to-charge law.
Landlord Incentives: National Grid offers EV charging incentives. Property owners may also qualify for the federal Section 30C credit.
Charging Infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
What EV incentives are available in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island EV buyers can access Up to $2,500 state rebate (DRIVE EV) (Federal credit ended Sept 30, 2025). Used EV buyers may qualify for Federal used EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025. National Grid offers EV programs and TOU rates. The annual EV registration fee is $0 (no additional EV fee).
Does Rhode Island have a right-to-charge law?
Rhode Island does not currently have a statewide right-to-charge law. Tenants and condo owners should check local ordinances and negotiate directly with landlords or HOA boards.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Rhode Island?
The average electricity rate in Rhode Island is $0.301/kWh. For a typical EV using 30 kWh per 100 miles, this works out to about $1084 per year to drive 12,000 miles on electricity, compared to approximately $1340 per year on gasoline. EV owners in Rhode Island save an estimated $352 per year on fuel.
EV Ownership in Rhode Island: What You Need to Know
Rhode Island offers EV rebates through the DRIVE EV program for both new and used electric vehicles. The state charges no additional EV registration fee. National Grid offers EV programs and time-of-use rates, and the state's compact size makes charging infrastructure particularly effective.
With an average electricity rate of $0.301 per kWh and gas prices averaging $3.35 per gallon, EV owners in Rhode Island can expect to save approximately $352 per year on fuel compared to a traditional gasoline vehicle. These savings add up significantly over the typical ownership period of 5-7 years, potentially totaling $2,112+ in fuel savings alone — before accounting for reduced maintenance costs.
Rhode Island currently has 400 public charging stations, including 80 DC fast chargers for quick highway stops. With 12,000 registered electric vehicles, the state's charging infrastructure is expanding to meet growing demand. The federal NEVI program continues to fund new fast-charging corridors across the state, making long-distance EV travel increasingly practical.
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