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Rhode Island’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program

The RI NEVI Program will create a robust roadmap to expand a safe, reliable, accessible, and equitable electric vehicle charging network throughout the state.

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program

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 $23 million in dedicated formula funding over a 5-year period. 

The RI Office of Energy Resources is the lead agency in charge of managing the NEVI RI EV Infrastructure Plan in partnership with the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).

The initial focus of this funding (Phase 1) is for states to strategically deploy Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations along its designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), to help build out the national EV AFC network.

I-95 is Rhode Island’s only Alternative Fuel Corridor. 

After Phase 1 is complete, the state may use NEVI Formula Program funds for EV charging infrastructure on any public road or other publicly accessible location (Phase 2).   


RI NEVI Plan Roadmap

  • November 15, 2021

    Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed into law. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is established.

  • February 10, 2022

    • FHWA releases guidance  for the NEVI Formula Program within 90 days of enactment of the bill.

    • States nominate additional Alternative Fuel Corridors to support a national EV charging network

  • May – June 2022

    RIOER, RIDOT, RIDEM Public Engagement 

    • Public listening sessions and webinars held

       RI NEVI Plan Session A: June 22: 10:30-11:30am
       RI NEVI Plan Session B: June 22: 1:30-2:30pm
       RI NEVI Plan Session C: June 22: 3:00-4:00pm

  • July 28, 2022

    The State of Rhode Island submits the RI FY23 NEVI Plan to The Federal Highway Administration

  • September 14, 2022

    The Federal Highway Administration approves RI FY23 NEVI Plan

  • October 2022 – February 2023

    • The RI state agencies (RIOER, RIDOT and RIDEM) in collaboration with our consultant Jacobs Solutions, work on design and implementation process for Phase 1 of the RI NEVI Program 

    • February 15th: FHWA releases Final Minimum Standards for NEVI

  • April 2023

    RIOER releases a Request for Proposal for Phase 1 of the RI NEVI Program: April 25th

  • May - June 2023

    • RFP receives one time extension through June 5th

    • The project team carefully evaluates the received proposals and selects a vendor based on their review

  • July – August 2023

    RIOER cancels Request for Proposal and issues two Requests for Quotes for Phase 1 Park and Ride Projects.

  • September - October 2023

    • The project team reviews received Requests for Quotes and selects vendors based on pass/fail criteria.

    • The Federal Highway Administration approves RI FY24 NEVI Plan

Anticipated

  • November 2023

    RIOER awards for Phase 1, and the implementation phase begins.

  • December 2023 – February 2024

    The project team conducts public outreach and engagement to receive feedback for Phase 2 approach. This includes a 60-day public comment period, along with webinars and listening sessions to provide information and gather feedback.

Announcements

RI FY24 NEVI Plan Approved

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has completed the review of the Rhode Island Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

Final Minimum Standards for NEVI released!

Released on February 15, 2023, this final rule establishes regulations that set minimum standards and requirements for projects funded under the NEVI Formula Program, and projects for the construction of publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) chargers under certain statutory authorities, including any EV charging infrastructure project funded with Federal funds that is treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway.

RI FY23 NEVI Plan Approved!

Rhode Island’s NEVI Plan was approved on September 14, 2022, by the Federal Highway Administration.

RIOER, RIDOT and RIDEM appreciate the public's input on the Plan and look forward to continuing collaboration as we transition from plan to implementation.

Sign Up for RI NEVI Program Updates and Newsletters

Constant Contact

Questions or Feedback?

Please contact us at: Energy.RINEVI@energy.ri.gov

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