July 10, 2025

Drive EV And PowerUp Rhode Island EV Rebate Programs

5 Min. Read

Did you know Rhode Island was the first state to fully electrify an Alternative Fuel Corridor by building chargers along I-95? Since then, the state has launched initiatives to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), including savings on EVs and EV chargers. You can also combine these Rhode Island EV rebate programs with savings from some utilities.

If you’re planning to purchase an EV in Rhode Island, make sure you take advantage of all the incentives available.

Rhode Island EV Rebate – Drive EV Project

Rhode Island’s Drive EV Project is a rebate you can claim after purchasing an EV. It is issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

The rebate amount depends on the type of vehicle you get and your income. The base rebate is $1,500 for a new EV, $1,000 for a new PHEV or used EV, and $750 if you’re in the market for a used PHEV.

If you earn less than the program’s income threshold, you can receive an additional $1,500 toward purchase and installation costs on top of the base rebate.

Drive EV Project for Fleets

The state encourages small businesses, non-profits, and public organizations to go electric with a $1,500 rebate toward a new electric fleet vehicle, or $1,000 for a used EV. You can claim the rebate if your organization is buying or leasing an EV, with a limit of five fleet vehicles over a two-year period.

Federal EV Tax Credits

These state rebates aren’t the only way to save on an EV. You can also claim a federal EV tax credit under certain conditions.

Here’s a brief breakdown of what you should know about this incentive:

• The amount of the credit can’t exceed $7,500.
• Not all EVs qualify. You need to pick a vehicle that meets some battery and assembly requirements.
• Taxpayers can claim a finite number of credits on qualifying EVs. Many vehicles, even though they meet battery and assembly requirements, have no credits left to claim.
• It’s a nonrefundable credit, which means you can claim it to reduce the taxes you owe, but you can’t use any excess toward your tax return.
• Individuals and businesses can take advantage of this tax credit.

If you live in a low-income or non-urban area, you can also claim a federal tax credit to help pay for a part of your EV charger installation.

Rhode Island EV Charger Rebates – PowerUp Rhode Island

The Drive EV Project isn’t the only way to save on electrification. Once you have your EV, you can qualify for a rebate on a home charger thanks to the PowerUp RI program.

This EV charger rebate program helps you save $350 on a Level 2 charger, not to exceed half the cost of the appliance, as long as you don’t need to make any electrical upgrades to your home. If you need an upgrade, the rebate goes up to $700 with the same 50% limit in place for your EV charger installation project.

You can save even more if you meet some income requirements and get $500 toward a charger or $1,000 for a charger and electrical upgrades. These income-qualified rebates are capped at 75% of the project’s cost.

Rhode Island EV Charging Rates for Residents

On average, Rhode Island residents pay $0.32 per kWh. Depending on who your electricity provider is, you can offset these energy prices by comparing independent electric suppliers.

Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy, the largest electricity provider in the state, delivers power to your home but doesn’t generate it. Instead, a network of independent electric suppliers operates power plants. You can shop around and pick a supplier with the best prices for your area to save on EV charging.

You can also enroll in Rhode Island Energy’s demand-response program. You’ll get $50 for enrolling and earn an additional $20 a year as long as you avoid charging your EV during events the utility calls. These events won’t last more than three hours and happen from June to September, anytime between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Public EV Charging Stations in Rhode Island

Between state and NEVI funding, Rhode Island has distributed $28.5 million in grants to support the development of a statewide EV charging infrastructure.

How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Rhode Island?

There are more than 340 EV charging locations in Rhode Island, with over 810 ports. Level 2 chargers account for more than 300 locations and over 690 ports, while DC Fast chargers are less common, with around 40 locations and 110 ports.

You’ll find six Tesla Supercharger locations with 48 ports among these fast charging options. The Ford BlueOval network is also present in the state, with no fewer than 150 locations within 10 miles of Providence.

How Much Does Public EV Charging Cost in Rhode Island?

State-owned EV charging stations use a standardized pricing model. Level 2 stations, like those on the University of Rhode Island campus, cost $0.28 per kWh. If you’re looking for faster charging, you can head to the Warwick Park & Ride on RI-117 in Warwick, where you’ll pay $0.39 per kWh.

Are There Free EV Charging Stations in Rhode Island?

Throughout Rhode Island, you can find some free charging options, including the Providence Place Mall in Providence. The parking garage has some free Level 2 chargers you can use for up to two hours before paying.

Where Can I Find EV Charging Stations in Rhode Island?

You’ll find lots of charging options along I-95, the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridor. There are plenty of EV charging stations in major cities, such as Providence, Warwick, Pawtucket, and Cranston.

We recommend this map from the Alternative Fuels Data Center for a more detailed look at EV charging locations in Rhode Island.

How Qmerit is Leading the Charge in Rhode Island

With the savings available from incentive programs like Rhode Island’s Drive EV Project or Powerup RI, alongside the rapidly growing rate of EV adoption, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to electrification.

The cost savings created by adopting clean, sustainable energy are just the start of the benefits you’ll see, and by partnering with a qualified electrician who can tailor an EV charger installation to your specific needs, you can maximize these benefits even more.

As North America’s most trusted and largest network of certified EV charger installers, Qmerit is recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, our expert network has installed over 770,000 EV charging stations across the U.S. and Canada.

Discover how Qmerit is paving the way forward for residential EV charger installation and whole-home electrification solutions. Contact us today to find out how easy home electrification can be!