The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has launched Electrify RI, an electric vehicle (EV) charging station incentive program that seeks to make more charging stations accessible to Rhode Island drivers. The increased availability of charging stations will encourage state residents and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles in order to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and pollutants.

Under Gov. Gina Raimondo's leadership, Rhode Island has accelerated its adoption of renewable energy resources and the State remains on-track to increase its clean energy portfolio ten-fold by 2020 – but more must be done.

“Emissions from transportation are now the largest source of greenhouse gases in our economy and Electrify RI will support our transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to more sustainable electric cars,” State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant said. “This program will make it easier for local employers, apartment complexes, and governments to install EV charging stations and inspire drivers to go green with EVs.”

This $1.4 million incentive program will help fund the installation of new EV charging stations – including Level II and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) – at Rhode Island workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, and state, quasi and local government properties. Incentives will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Investing in an enhanced charging station network across our communities and along major travel corridors will bring important environmental, public health, and economic benefits to Rhode Island residents and visitors alike,” Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit said. “Having more electric and hybrid vehicles on our roadways will help reduce climate change impacts from the transportation sector and improve air quality. Rhode Island is committed to developing more sustainable transportation infrastructure and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and we encourage eligible organizations to apply for this exciting new incentive program.”

Organizations that wish to apply for Electrify RI incentives should review program documentation to ensure they meet applicable eligibility criteria. Program guidance documents and incentive applications are available at energy.ri.gov/electrifyri.php.

The funds for Electrify RI come from the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement (VW Settlement) Environmental Mitigation Trust and are being invested according to the state's Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) to achieve significant and sustained reductions in diesel emissions and expedite development and widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles. Other funds from this settlement are supporting an all-electric bus pilot program at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). For more information on the VW settlement, visit dem.ri.gov/programs/air/vwsettle.php.