Electric vehicle incentives & rebates in Rhode Island
2 state or local incentives for drivers, 1 utility with residential EV programs — plus EV fees, HOV rules, public charging and the cost to charge in Rhode Island. Every program links to its official page and the U.S. Department of Energy AFDC entry.
Updated November 2026 · AFDC data retrieved November 6, 2026
Rhode Island EV rebates, tax credits and perks
Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption
CurrentState IncentivesVehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state emissions control inspections. For more information, see the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program website. (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.1-5)
Official program page: Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program · AFDC entry · enacted August 26, 1993
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Rebates
CurrentState IncentivesThe Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type: Vehicle Technology Maximum Rebate Amount -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ZEV $1,500 for a new vehicle; $1,000 for a pre-owned vehicle PHEV $1,000 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000.
Official program page: DRIVE EV · AFDC entry · enacted January 29, 2015 · AFDC updated August 13, 2022
Rhode Island home and community charging incentives
No current state-level charger incentive for residents is listed for Rhode Island; many utilities below offer charger rebates.
Rhode Island utility EV programs
1 utility list residential EV programs; 1 offer an EV or time-of-use rate and 1 charger incentives
| Utility | Type | Residential EV programs | Business / fleet programs | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Grid | investor-owned utility (IOU) | ⚡ EV Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate 🔌 EV Level 2 Charging Station Purchase Rebate 🔌 Make-Ready or Pre-Wiring Rebate for EV Chargers | 🔌 EV Level 2 Charging Station Installation Rebate 🔌 EV Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging Station Installation Rebate 🔌 Make-Ready or Pre-Wiring Rebate for EV Chargers 🚗 Fleet Electrification Assessment | Utility EV page AFDC |
⚡ rates and fuel pricing · 🔌 charging equipment and installation · 🚗 vehicle rebates. AFDC lists program types; amounts, eligibility and waitlists are on the utility's own page — follow the link and confirm the program is open before you buy.
Rhode Island EV registration fees, HOV and toll rules
EV fees
Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Fee
CurrentLaws and RegulationsBeginning Jan. 1, 2026, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees, EV owners must pay an annual fee of $200, plug-in hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $100, and hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $50. In addition, by Jan. 1, 2027, the Rhode Island Department of Revenue and Rhode Island Department of Transportation must submit a report, including information and practices of other states, to the General Assembly on findings and recommendations to index or update these fees and any other related charges for electric-drive vehicles. (Reference Public Law Chapter 278, Article 11, 2025)
AFDC entry · enacted June 29, 2025
HOV and toll lanes
No current HOV-lane or toll exemption for EVs listed for Rhode Island.
Rhode Island laws that affect EV owners
7 law or regulations (right-to-charge, multifamily charging, parking, inspections and more)
Clean Transportation Programs Authorization
CurrentLaws and RegulationsThe Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources may administer funds for clean transportation programs, including but not limited to electric vehicle rebates, electric bicycle rebates, and other programs. (Reference General Law 42-140-12 and Public Law 278, 2025)
AFDC entry · enacted June 29, 2025
Electric Drive Vehicle License Plates
CurrentLaws and RegulationsThe Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue special vehicle license plates to owners of electric drive vehicles, including those powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. Eligible vehicles include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and all-electric vehicles registered as electric drive vehicles in the state. While not required, the DMV encourages use of this plate for the safety of first responders. For more information, including license plate fee, see the Rhode Island DMV Other Plates website. (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3-101)
Official program page: Other Plates · AFDC entry · enacted July 2, 2014 · AFDC updated July 10, 2014
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Make-Ready Requirements
CurrentLaws and RegulationsBeginning Jan. 1, 2024, all new parking lots---and existing lots that add 50% or more spaces---must designate parking spaces for EVs. Required EV space counts must be rounded up to the nearest whole number and are as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Number of Parking Number of required EV spaces Spaces ----------------------------- ---------- ----------------------------- 0 - 9 0 10 - 25 1 26 - 50 2 51 - 75 4 76 - 100 5 101 - 150 7 151 - 200 10 201 and over 6% of total ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EV spaces must be "EV ready" or "EV capable," each…
AFDC entry · enacted June 22, 2023
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Parking Restriction
CurrentLaws and RegulationsNo person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space where there is an EV charger and signage indicating that parking is for EV charging only, unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment. Violations will be subject to a fine of $100. (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-21-18 and Rhode Island General Laws 31-41.1-4)
AFDC entry · enacted July 19, 2017 · AFDC updated October 6, 2017
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station on State Property Fee
CurrentLaws and RegulationsEffective Jan. 1, 2025, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) must set fees for cost recovery for EV charging stations on state property and post proposed fees online for a public comment period. The proposed cost recovery fees in 2025 are $0.28/kWh for Level 2 charging and $0.39/kWh for direct-current (DC) fast charging. A $0.25/minute idle fee applies after 4 hours of continuous occupancy at a Level 2 charging site and $0.35/minute after 1 hour of continuous occupancy at a DC fast charging site. Users will receive a 15-minute warning before idling fees begin.
Official program page: proposed cost recovery fees · AFDC entry · enacted June 17, 2024
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate Development Requirements
CurrentLaws and RegulationsWhen developing EV TOU rate programs, Rhode Island Energy must complete a cost-benefit analysis that considers the financial impacts of encouraging consumers to charge EVs during off-peak hours. Additional terms and conditions apply. (Reference Senate Resolution 279, 2023)
AFDC entry · enacted May 2, 2023 · AFDC updated July 27, 2023
Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways
CurrentLaws and RegulationsBeginning July 1, 2024, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low speed vehicles may not be driven on any roadway or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Additional requirements apply. (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-1-3 and 31-19.6-1)
Official program page: Code of Federal Regulations · AFDC entry · enacted June 21, 2023 · AFDC updated July 27, 2023
Rhode Island programs for businesses, fleets and public agencies
3 programs
Clean Diesel Grant
CurrentState IncentivesThe Rhode Island Clean Diesel Fund provides fleet operators, businesses, local and state government entities, schools districts, and other qualifying entities with reimbursement grants to reduce emissions from medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Eligible projects include on-road, non-road, and marine vehicle, engine, and equipment replacements. Eligible technology includes new diesel, alternative fuel, and zero emission vehicles. Eligible on-road vehicles must be registered and domiciled in Rhode Island, and 50% of the vehicle miles travelled or hours of operation must be in Rhode Island for at least five years after receiving the grant.
Official program page: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act · AFDC entry · enacted June 24, 2016 · AFDC updated February 22, 2023
Fleet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebates
CurrentState IncentivesThe Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification Fleet (DRIVE EV Fleet) program offers rebates of up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of a new ZEV and $1,000 for the purchase or lease of a pre-owned ZEV. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of $500 per vehicle is available for applicants located in high-asthma communities. ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
Official program page: DRIVE EV Fleet · AFDC entry · AFDC updated August 13, 2022
Rhode Island's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
CurrentState IncentivesThe U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) NEVI Formula Program required the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to submit an annually updated EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to their FHWA Division Office, describing how the state intended to distribute NEVI funds and their physical and cybersecurity strategies, and including a Community Engagement Outcomes Report. The submitted plans must address updated NEVI Guidance. For more information about Rhode Island's NEVI planning process, see the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources NEVI Plan website.
Official program page: NEVI Guidance · AFDC entry · AFDC updated September 14, 2022
Public EV charging stations in Rhode Island
361 stations · 719 Level 2 ports · 153 DC fast ports
| City | Stations | DC fast ports |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | 88 | 19 |
| Warwick | 47 | 38 |
| Cranston | 21 | 8 |
| Newport | 20 | 10 |
| North Kingstown | 19 | 0 |
| East Greenwich | 13 | 22 |
| Middletown | 12 | 2 |
| East Providence | 11 | 0 |
| Smithfield | 11 | 0 |
| Pawtucket | 11 | 0 |
| Johnston | 9 | 1 |
| Lincoln | 8 | 2 |
| Woonsocket | 8 | 0 |
| Hopkinton | 7 | 6 |
| Cumberland | 7 | 0 |
| South Kingstown | 5 | 4 |
| Narragansett | 5 | 4 |
| Warren | 5 | 0 |
| Portsmouth | 4 | 8 |
| Charlestown | 4 | 0 |
| Network | Stations |
|---|---|
| ChargePoint | 300 |
| Non-networked | 14 |
| Tesla Supercharger | 7 |
| Tesla Destination | 7 |
| AmpUp | 7 |
| Shell Recharge | 7 |
| Blink | 5 |
| Flash | 3 |
| EV Connect | 2 |
| EVgo | 2 |
| Ford Charge | 2 |
| Electrify America | 1 |
Connectors: J1772 at 310 stations, CCS at 43, NACS/Tesla at 22, CHAdeMO at 20.
Cost to charge an EV at home in Rhode Island
About $10.75 per 100 miles at 29.05¢/kWh
Defaults: 12,000 miles a year and 30 MPG are examples — enter your own. Energy only (no maintenance, insurance or depreciation). Efficiency is the EPA combined kWh/100 mi rating (window sticker); real-world use varies with speed, weather and charging.
Electric cars for sale in Rhode Island
13 EVs and 28 plug-in hybrids · 1.8% of Rhode Island listings · median EV asking $40,395
Frequently asked questions
- Are there EV rebates or tax credits in Rhode Island?
- Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy lists 2 state or local incentives for drivers, 1 utility with residential EV programs in Rhode Island (as of November 6, 2026): Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption; Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Rebates. Funding and eligibility change, so check each official program page.
- Is there still a federal EV tax credit in Rhode Island?
- No. The federal new and used clean vehicle credits are not available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025 (IRS), and the home charger credit (30C) ended for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026.
- Does Rhode Island charge an EV registration fee?
- Yes — Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Fee: Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees, EV owners must pay an annual fee of $200, plug-in hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $100, and hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $50. In addition, (AFDC, as of November 6, 2026).
- Can EVs use HOV lanes in Rhode Island?
- AFDC lists no current HOV-lane exemption for EVs in Rhode Island.
- How many public EV charging stations are in Rhode Island?
- 361 open public charging stations with 719 Level 2 and 153 DC fast charging ports, per the U.S. Department of Energy station locator (November 6, 2026).
- How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Rhode Island?
- At Rhode Island's average residential electricity price of 29.05¢ per kWh (EIA, Year-to-Date through August 2026), about $10.75 per 100 miles for an EV using 37 kWh/100 mi. Regular gasoline averaged $4.14/gal (New England (PADD 1A), EIA week of November 2, 2026).
- How many electric cars are for sale in Rhode Island on AutosXchange?
- 13 EVs and 28 plug-in hybrids from Rhode Island dealers, 1.8% of listings in the state; median EV asking price $40,395.
AutosXchange market data is calculated from the asking prices of current dealer listings on AutosXchange, refreshed as dealers update their inventory. These are not sold or transaction prices and not appraisals. Listings with an asking price under $500 (placeholder prices) are excluded. Confirm price, fees and availability with the selling dealer.