Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Department of Transportation Announce Largest Investment and Expansion of New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Projects Across Rhode Island

Published on Monday, May 04, 2026

Rhode Island first state in New England to fully award and invest remaining federal funds into community-based EV charging projects beyond the highway corridors; More than 100 new electric vehicle charging station and 200 ports projects in expanding access across 18 municipalities

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today over 100 new electric vehicle (EV) charging station projects that will begin construction this spring and summer to support new EV charging infrastructure across 18 municipalities statewide. These new projects are being supported by approximately $24 million in federal and state funding. The EV charging station projects will be located in Providence, Pawtucket, Barrington, Smithfield, West Greenwich, North Smithfield, North Kingstown, Woonsocket, Cranston, Johnston, East Providence, Cumberland, Middletown, Warwick, Westerly, North Scituate, Burrillville, and South Kingstown. This is the state’s largest investment into new EV charging infrastructure throughout the state.

OER and DOT are supporting 102 new EV charging stations and more than 200 charging ports, significantly expanding access to convenient, reliable charging at the places people use every day. Locations include municipal and state facilities, gas stations, retail centers, and other community-based destinations. The projects include a mix of direct current fast chargers (DCFC)—capable of charging a vehicle up to 80% in approximately 20 to 30 minutes—and Level 2 chargers, which are well suited for longer visits at locations such as shopping areas, parks, and municipal facilities.

“By bringing in new EV charging stations into communities, we are making it more convenient and practical for families, businesses, and visitors across our state,” said Governor Dan McKee.

“Rhode Island continues working toward a cleaner energy future to enhance affordability and resilience at the same time. By adding these new EV charging ports, we are making it more convenient and efficient for people to get where they need to go,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

“Expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations helps drivers ditch polluting vehicles and shield themselves from volatile gas price spikes,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “I was glad to support this federal funding to build out Rhode Island’s electric charging infrastructure and make driving an electric car more convenient.”

“We can lower costs for Rhode Islanders by making it easier to own electric vehicles in the state while also making our air cleaner,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “I am proud to support efforts to build more electric vehicle chargers, making EVs more accessible and affordable for commuters across our state.”

“Expanding Rhode Island’s electric vehicle infrastructure reduces emissions and improves public health while making EV travel more accessible and convenient,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I'm proud of our state's clean energy leadership and will keep working with my federal and state colleagues to make smart investments in Rhode Island’s future.”

“Rhode Islanders’ use of EVs will continue to grow over time, as publicly accessible charging infrastructure becomes more reliable and well-placed throughout the state,” said 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 travelers to access.”

“RIDOT has a long history in supporting EV charging infrastructure, starting with our efforts, along with OER, to install this equipment in our Park & Ride lots back in 2020,” said RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio. “We’re happy to work with our federal and state partners to continue to build out EV charging infrastructure, making it more accessible to residents and visitors in all parts of Rhode Island.”

Additional Rhode Island OER Clean Transportation Information

For further information on OER clean transportation (EVs, electric bicycles, household EV charging equipment) rebate programs and policies, please visit the following links: