EV charging installation in Rhode Island

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, all new parking lots—and existing lots that add 50% or more spaces—must designate parking spaces for EVs.

No 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.

Effective 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.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, EV chargers sold, leased, or rented in Rhode Island must be ENERGY STAR® certified. For more information, see the ENERGY STAR EV Chargers website. (Reference General Law 39-27.1-5)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) offers funding to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technology Office (VTO) offers grants of up to $36 million for the design, development, and demonstration of MHD EV charging infrastructure through the SuperTruck Charge program.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) or any federal agency may install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) for federal employees and others authorized to park at federal facilities to charge their privately owned vehicles.

The CMAQ Program provides funding to state departments of transportation (DOTs), local governments, and transit agencies for projects and programs that help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act by reducing mobile source emissions and regional congestion on transportation networks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements, including EV charging stations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) designates a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along national highway system corridors.