RI launches survey as it seeks to expand EV charging station program

Sarah Doiron and Catie McNeil

5 hours ago

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island is in the process of strategically installing a number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state, but it needs the public’s help deciding where to place some of them.

Gov. Dan McKee launched a survey Monday in an effort to expand the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in the state.

The NEVI program, which was first enacted by President Joe Biden nearly three years ago, provides states with the funding necessary to install EV-compatible charging stations.

The state unveiled the first phase of how it would be implementing the NEVI program last December. The first phase, according to McKee, is solely focused on installing EV charging stations at the Ashaway Park and Ride in Hopkinton and the Route 117 Park and Ride in Warwick.

“Ensuring that re-charging an EV is as convenient as filling up at a gas station is an ambitious but achievable goal,” Sen. Jack Reed said. “Rhode Island is making good progress on this front as we charge ahead toward a cleaner energy future.”

Each park and ride will eventually have two DC Fast Chargers, which can power an electric vehicle up to 80% within 20 to 40 minutes. Construction on the EV charging stations at the Ashaway Park and Ride began last month.

The state plans on installing a total of eight DC Fast Chargers and six Dual-Port charging stations along the so-called “Alternative Fuel Corridor” on I-95.

“Charging an electric vehicle should be as easy as filling up a gas tank, and making this a reality for all is crucial to accelerate our transition to an affordable clean energy economy,” Rep. Seth Magaziner said. “Expanding Rhode Island’s EV charging network will make electric vehicles more accessible and create good-paying jobs in the process.”

McKee said the survey will “play a crucial role” in deciding where the state should place the remaining charging stations.

“We are encouraging Rhode Islanders to voice their opinions on our state’s growing electric vehicle infrastructure,” McKee said. “This input will help Rhode Island meet the state’s evolving needs and our Act on Climate requirements.”

In total, the state will receive $22.9 million through the NEVI program over the next five years. The state itself plans on investing approximately $4.5 million into the NEVI program during that same timeframe.

Those interested in taking the survey can do so online. Survey responses must be submitted by May 4.