The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), is actively engaged in identifying strategic locations and forming partnerships for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a robust network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the state.

Rhode Island is committed to allocating approximately $4.5 million annually for the next five years, utilizing funds from the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This significant investment aims to substantially increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations, contributing to the growth of sustainable transportation options in our state.

As part of this planning process, we gather insights from the general public and business entities. Your valuable feedback on electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicles is crucial in shaping the success of this program.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is a "public body" as defined in the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act ("APRA"), and thereby subject to the legal requirements contained therein.  See R.I. Gen. Laws Title 38, Chapter 2.  In an effort to encourage respondents to answer the survey questions truthfully, OER will deem all survey responses to be "work product" and vows that those responses will not be made public by OER.  Nevertheless, once the survey has been concluded, OER may decide to compile all of the responses and release a final report to the public.  Within the final report, certain responses may be featured, but will not disclose any personally identifiable information.

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at Energy.RINEVI@energy.ri.gov. 

Thank you in advance for your participation. Together, we can drive positive change in Rhode Island's sustainable transportation landscape.

Definitions

• Electric Vehicle (EV): An EV is a vehicle that operates entirely on electricity. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs use one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
• Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A PHEV is a hybrid vehicle that can be plugged into an external source of electricity to charge its battery, in addition to the traditional gasoline engine. 
• Hybrid Vehicle: A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, allowing the vehicle to achieve improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This vehicle is still all gasoline-run. 
• Level 2 Charging Stations: Level 2 charging stations provide medium-speed charging for EVs. They typically use a 240-volt system and can charge most EVs faster than standard household outlets.
• Level 3 Charging Stations (DCFC - Direct Current Fast Charger): Level 3 charging stations, also known as DCFC, provide high-speed charging for electric vehicles. They use direct current (DC) and can charge EVs significantly faster than Level 2 chargers, making them suitable for quick charging on long journeys.
• Level 3 Tesla Charging Station: Level 3 Tesla Charging Stations offer rapid and efficient charging that was previously exclusively for Tesla EVs. These stations also utilize direct current (DC) technology, often called Tesla Superchargers. Today some additional car companies such as Rivian and Ford may utilize these chargers, and it is anticipated that additional EV manufacturers will be able to utilize the Tesla Charging Stations in the future.
• Non-Profit Group: A corporation or group that benefits its members and the public rather than the private individuals.[1] Examples of non-profit organizations include housing authorities, public schools, public charities, conservation groups, public clinics and hospitals, amateur sports organizations, churches, political organizations, professional associations, research institutes, museums, and some government agencies. Non-profits must be registered within the State of Rhode Island.
• Local (Small) Business: The State of Rhode Island defines a Small Business as a person, partnership, corporation, or other form of business entity independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field, and which business employs five hundred (500) or fewer employees and has its principal place of business located in the state of Rhode Island.  This is consistent with the Federal Government definition of a small business as, a business concern that is organized for profit, has fewer than 500 employees, including affiliates, is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation, and meets size standards as prescribed by SBA (13 CFR Part 121).
• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula (NEVI): A bipartisan law managed by the Federal Highway Administration. NEVI is part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law November 2021. NEVI funds States to deploy EV charging infrastructure. The interconnected NEVI network will facilitate data collection, access, and reliability for EV charging funding and infrastructure development.
• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): A bipartisan legislation enacted in the United States to invest in and improve the nation's physical and digital infrastructure, including transportation, broadband, water systems, and more. It aims to create jobs, enhance economic competitiveness, and address critical infrastructure needs across the country.
• Justice40 Initiative: Introduced by the Biden administration, addresses environmental and economic injustice by directing at least 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.