PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) have announced the commencement of Phase 2 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This phase, which is focused on a community-based approach, offers an initial $10 million in competitive funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The program is open to public, non-profit, and private entities, with all installations required to be publicly accessible.

Established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program provides $28.5 million in combined federal and state funding to Rhode Island. During Phase 1, a portion of this funding was used to develop the Alternative Fuel Corridor. In the summer of 2024, Rhode Island became the first state in the nation to complete Phase 1 by installing fast chargers at two Park & Ride locations.

NEVI Phase 2, set to launch on November 14, 2024, is a competitive application program aimed at installing a minimum of 10 DC Fast Chargers and 100 Level 2 chargers across Rhode Island. This initiative will expand the state’s clean transportation infrastructure with publicly accessible stations that meet NEVI compliance standards.

“Rhode Island continues to be a leader across the nation in clean transportation,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I am proud that Rhode Island is the 1st state in the country to launch Phase 2 of the NEVI program. This program is crucial to supporting the adoption of EVs and creating an equitable and accessible future for Rhode Islanders.”

“More people are driving electric vehicles and hybrids and that means we need more EV charging stations. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Rhode Island is installing and upgrading its public EV charging network with more convenient and reliable stations in key locations,” said Senator Jack Reed.

“It's about to get a lot more convenient to drive an electric vehicle around Rhode Island thanks to the?Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “With more folks making the switch to electric vehicles to save money over the long run, it’s exciting to see Rhode Island leading the buildout of America’s charging station infrastructure.”

“More electric vehicles on the road means cleaner air and healthier communities in Rhode Island,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “Rhode Island is once again leading the country in the transition to a clean energy economy, and this program will make owning an EV more convenient for working people.”

“Rhode Island being the ‘first-in-the-nation’ has a nice ring to it. I’m glad that we’re building on the momentum of Phase 1 to charge ahead by launching Phase 2 of this important federal program,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “This leadership brings us closer to reaching our state’s ambitious emissions targets and building a robust electric vehicle charging network for drivers in the Ocean State.”

Businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, non-profits, and Tribal organizations are eligible to apply for the program, which offers up to 80% federal funding.?Applicants are required to match 20% in funding, although additional matching contributions are encouraged. 

The maximum funding per site is set at $1 million for DC Fast Chargers, $250,000 for Level 2 chargers, and up to $1.25 million for sites featuring a combination of both DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 chargers. Each location must include a minimum of four charging ports, which can be a mix of DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 units. The application intake period will begin on November 14,?2024,?and close on February 28, 2025.

“Rhode Island continues its leadership in sustainable transportation by now entering the next phase of building out their National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White. “After being the first state to fully build out its Alternative Fuel Corridors and now moving to fully build out their system, Rhode Island is helping achieve the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to build 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. This state’s progress has helped the U.S. more than double the number of publicly available chargers to 200,000—less than three years after the NEVI program was signed into law.”

“Congratulations to Rhode Island for launching phase II of their National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “Rhode Island is taking the first step in the U.S. to flex NEVI funding to publicly accessible locations that meet community charging needs. We are excited to see how sites selected from community inputs and priorities will provide Rhode Islanders with convenient and reliable places to plug in.”

“Rhode Island remains at the forefront of this initiative, from installing public charging stations under our initial pilot back in 2020 to today, being the first station in the country to launch Phase 2 of the NEVI program,” said Peter Alviti Jr., Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. “This additional investment will further ease any range anxiety electric vehicle drivers may have, giving them confidence that charging stations are readily available to them.”

“Rhode Island remains committed to growing its EV charging network and advancing our Act on Climate objectives, said Acting Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Commissioner Chris Kearns. “The NEVI Phase 2 program will continue to create a more sustainable transportation system for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the state.”

Level 2 chargers are ideal for locations where vehicles are parked for a few hours, like shopping centers, as they provide a full charge in 4–6 hours. DC Fast Chargers offer rapid charging, providing an 80% charge in about 20–30 minutes, making them suitable for quick stops along highways or busy routes.

In the summer of 2024, Rhode Island became the first state to complete Phase 1 of the NEVI program, successfully building out the Alternative Fuel Corridor along Interstate 95. This achievement included installing fast chargers at two strategic Park-and-Ride locations in Ashaway and Warwick. These efforts highlight Rhode Island’s commitment to promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Applications and program guidance for Phase 2 of the program, will be available online at: www.energy.ri.gov/rinevi