Exciting News: RI Becomes First State in the Nation to Complete Phase 1 under National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program!
July 17, 2024: Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. DOT/Federal Highway Administration, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, celebrated Rhode Island's groundbreaking achievement as the first state in the nation to complete Phase 1 of the alternative fuel corridor under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. The milestone was marked with a ribbon-cutting event at the Route 117 Park & Ride in Warwick.
Click here for Press Release
Click here for Fully Built Out Certification Letter
Click here for all NEVI event-related documents
What's Happening:
Launched in December 2023, Phase 1 of the NEVI Program aimed to install a total of four new Level 3 Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) along Interstate 95—two at the Warwick Park & Ride and two at the Ashaway Park & Ride in Hopkinton. The ChargePoint Express Plus Power Link PL2000 series chargers, manufactured by ChargePoint and installed by Maverick Corporation, can charge an electric vehicle up to 80 percent in 20 to 40 minutes. The collaboration and support of Rhode Island Energy were instrumental in the successful implementation of this project. Now completed, these additions continue to support and expand upon Rhode Island’s growing EV charging infrastructure.
Currently, there are a total of eight DCFCs and six Dual-Port Level 2 charging stations strategically located along the Alternative Fuel Corridor on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island. This groundbreaking accomplishment offers efficient and convenient charging options that enable both Rhode Islanders and travelers to embrace electric vehicle travel with confidence.
Looking Forward:
As we move forward, Phase 2 of the NEVI Program is on the horizon. Thanks to the invaluable input from everyone who participated in the NEVI Phase 2 survey, we are now gearing up to expand EV charging infrastructure across public roads and other accessible locations. We are committed to analyzing these survey results over the coming months to design and implement the best possible program for both public and private entities.
We're incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and participation in shaping the future of EV infrastructure in Rhode Island. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future!
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
State of Rhode Island,
Office of Energy Resources
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