Official State of Rhode Island website

About

Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) is an electric vehicle (EV) project administered through a partnership between the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB). This project provides rebates to Rhode Island residents, small businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities to advance our clean transportation objectives in reducing transportation emissions and advancing Act on Climate.

OER is the lead state agency for energy policy and programs with a mission to lead the state toward a clean, affordable, reliable, and equitable energy future. OER develops policies and programs that respond to the state's evolving energy needs while advancing environmental sustainability, energy security, and a vibrant clean energy economy. OER is committed to working with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have access to cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions.

The adoption of sustainable transportation solutions, such as electric vehicles for commuters and fleets, is crucial to Rhode Island’s fight against climate change and achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals mandated by the 2021 Act on Climate. The 2021 Act on Climate requires a 45 percent reduction in the state’s GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2030, 80 percent by 2040, and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.[1] The transportation sector accounts for more than one-third of statewide greenhouse gas emissions.[2]

DRIVEEV is a project designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs by Rhode Island drivers, with the potential to drive important public policy goals such as:

  • Improve public health and air quality by reducing transportation-related air pollution that contributes to the formation of smog and related health effects such as asthma;
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change;
  • Enhance energy diversity and security; and
  • Save drivers money and promote economic growth.

This Project Guidance Document outlines the full range of incentives available through DRIVE EV and provides essential information and instructions for those interested in applying for financial incentives. The Project Guidance Document may undergo periodic updates as needed to clarify project requirements and enhance the project's effectiveness. Any updates to the Project Guidance Document will be posted on this website.

[1] For more information about the 2021 Act on Climate and related efforts, please visit: www.climatechange.ri.gov.

[2] According to Rhode Island’s 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, the transportation sector contributed 35.5 percent of Rhode Island’s emissions. For more information about Rhode Island’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory, please visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/air/ghg-emissions-inventory.php.