On May 4, 2026, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $24 million in funding to support new electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across 13 municipalities in the state. This funding is part of Phase 2 of Rhode Island’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, that is geared towards investing in community-based charging infrastructure beyond highway corridors.
Phase 1 of Rhode Island’s NEVI program was completed in July 2024 when the state became the first to achieve the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s fully built-out designation for their network of DC fast chargers along their Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Rhode Island also became the first state in New England to award all remaining NEVI funds for Phase 2 of their program, which will support charging in convenient locations across the state, including municipal and state facilities, gas stations, retail centers, and other community-based destinations. This investment will support the installation of over 100 charging ports that include a mix of DC fast chargers for quick, on-the-go stops, and Level 2 chargers designed for extended visits at shopping centers, parks, and municipal facilities.
Expanding charging access into Rhode Island communities will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to convert to EVs and receive the benefits of cheaper refueling, lower maintenance costs, and a cleaner transportation option. According to Acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns, “OER is committed to growing the state’s EV charging infrastructure, supporting our transportation emission reduction efforts through these valuable investments and maintaining one of the most accessible EV charging station networks in the U.S. for Rhode Islanders and out-of-state travels to access.”
To review additional information on OER clean transportation programs including rebate programs and policies for EVs, electric bicycles, and household charging equipment please visit the below links: