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Rhode Island’s First NEVI-Funded EV Charging Stations Now Open

July 17, 2024

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to announce the opening of Rhode Island’s first National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The stations, located at the Warwick and Ashaway Park and Rides, empower state residents to adopt cleaner transportation alternatives and meet Rhode Island’s Act on Climate requirements.

With the simultaneous openings of these two stations, the Federal Highway Administration, in conjunction with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, has certified Rhode Island’s determination that the designated I-95 alternative fuel corridor (AFC) in the state is fully built out with convenient, reliable, and affordable charging every 50 miles. This first-in-the-nation certification milestone allows the state to use its remaining NEVI funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue buildout of public charging infrastructure in communities and along corridors outside of its designated AFC.

“Rhode Island is leading the charge when it comes to quick and efficient deployment of convenient charging that helps residents and visitors get where they need to go, emission-free,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “These stations provide convenient and reliable charging along the full length of Rhode Island’s designated I-95 EV charging corridor giving the state the flexibility to continue expanding its EV charging network along additional corridors and in communities so anyone can choose to ride or drive electric in the Ocean State."

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation will receive $22.9 million in total funding under the NEVI program over five years. Earlier this year, Rhode Island conducted a survey to inform Phase 2 of its NEVI Roadmap to expand EV charging infrastructure across public roads and other publicly accessible locations in the state. The state is analyzing the survey results to design and implement additional investments that will allow everyone to ride and drive electric. Receiving “fully built out” status gives Rhode Island additional flexibility to invest the more than $22 million in estimated remaining NEVI funding to support EV drivers with public charging no matter where they live, work, or play.

The Joint Office is working with all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico to ensure the success of the NEVI program, which is now bringing the Biden administration’s vision of a clean energy future to fruition. NEVI is a concerted effort to ensure the EV future of tomorrow is thoughtfully planned, efficiently built, and meets the needs of all Americans, regardless of where they live.