McKee Administration and Congressional Delegation Showcase Progress of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and Launches Public Survey

Published on Monday, March 04, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), showcased the progress of Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program at the Ashaway Park & Ride.

Phase 1 of the NEVI Program launched in December 2023 with a focus on the installation of electric vehicle DC Fast Chargers (Level 3) charging stations located at the Ashaway Park & Ride in Hopkinton and Route 117 Park & Ride in Warwick. These Park & Ride locations will each be equipped with two new electric vehicle DC Fast Chargers (Level 3) capable of charging an electric vehicle up to 80 percent within 20 to 40 minutes. Construction at the Ashaway Park & Ride location began in February 2024.  

Once completed, there will be a total of eight DC Fast Chargers (Level 3) and six Dual-Port Level 2 charging stations strategically located along the Alternative Fuel Corridor on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island.  

During the Ashaway event, the Governor also announced the launch of a survey to assist in the design of Phase 2 of the NEVI program, which would expand the public charging station program to other publicly accessible locations in the state.

“The NEVI survey will play a crucial role in the launch of Phase 2 over the next few months,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We are encouraging Rhode Islanders to voice their opinions on our state’s growing electric vehicle infrastructure. This input will help Rhode Island meet the state's evolving needs and our Act on Climate requirements.”

This survey will target various stakeholders in Rhode Island, including the public, municipalities, local businesses and non-profits, EV infrastructure manufacturers, and suppliers. It aims to gather feedback from these stakeholders regarding electric vehicle usage and the placement of charging stations. 

To participate in the NEVI Phase 2 Survey, please visit https://energy.ri.gov/rinevi. The deadline to submit survey responses is May 4, 2024. 

“Ensuring that re-charging an EV is as convenient as filling up at a gas station is an ambitious but achievable goal. Rhode Island is making good progress on this front as we charge ahead toward a cleaner energy future,” said Senator Jack Reed. “I look forward to hearing more from Rhode Islanders about how we can tailor our new and growing network of EV charging stations to the specific needs of our communities.”

“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re investing in the Ocean State’s electric vehicle infrastructure,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “We have an opportunity to get the transition to EVs right, and I encourage Rhode Islanders to provide feedback that will guide a strategic expansion of EV charging stations across the state." 

“Charging an electric vehicle should be as easy as filling up a gas tank, and making this a reality for all is crucial to accelerate our transition to an affordable clean energy economy,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “Expanding Rhode Island’s EV charging network will make electric vehicles more accessible and create good-paying jobs in the process.”

“Expanding Rhode Island’s electric vehicle infrastructure is an essential part of meeting our climate goals, reducing emissions, and investing in America’s clean energy economy,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I look forward to continuing to work with leaders in our state and my colleagues in Congress to deliver resources for the Ocean State to fight climate change."

Signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides states with $7.5 billion to help make EV charging more accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. This $7.5 billion comprises the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the $2.5 Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure. Rhode Island will receive a total of $22.9 million in dedicated formula funding over a 5-year period.

OER has released a video of the Ashaway Park & Ride EV station construction progress.

Stay updated with RI NEVI Project news and developments by subscribing to our newsletters at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/e58dGz9/NEVI.

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