Official State of Rhode Island website

General Questions

  1. What is DRIVEEV?

DRIVEEV is an electric vehicle (EV) rebate project administered through a partnership between the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB). This project aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles by providing rebates to Rhode Island residents, small businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities. 

  1. Are there still funds available for the DRIVEEV Project?

Please visit our Program Statistics page for a regularly updated dashboard showing the current funds available:  DRIVEEV Project Statistics | drive

  1. Is the DRIVEEV project a tax credit? Should I wait until filing my taxes to file for DRIVEEV?

No. The DRIVEEV project offers post-purchase rebates, not tax credits, on a first-come first-serve basis independent of your tax filing status. Rebate applications must be submitted within 120 days of purchasing or leasing the vehicle to qualify. You should NOT wait for tax season to apply.

  1. I submitted an application. When will I know if my application has been approved or denied?

You will be notified of your rebate status through communications sent to the email address on your application. Approvals are typically sent within 2-4 weeks from the time of application.

If your application is missing any required documentation or we have further questions to assess your rebate eligibility, the program administrator will reach out to you via email.

  1. My application has been approved. When will I receive my rebate check?

Congratulations! Rebate checks typically arrive in the mail within 4-6 weeks from the time of application approval. Please note that this is an estimation, and that there can be delays in check processing and mailing.

  1. I want more detailed information about DRIVEEV. Can I get a copy of the DRIVEEV Guidance Document?

Yes. You can view and download a copy of the DRIVEEV Guidance Document, which contains the detailed guidelines for the rebate project.

  1. Who do I contact if I have more questions about the rebate project?

Please contact the DRIVEEV project administrator at (401) 871-7837 or Energy.DriveEv@energy.ri.gov for all project inquiries. The project administrator will return voicemails within two business days.

  1. Is the DRIVEEV rebate taxable income?

The DRIVEEV rebate may be considered taxable income by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Rhode Island Department of Revenue Services. It shall be the sole responsibility of the recipient, individually, to seek professional advice and determine the tax consequences of DRIVEEV.

  1. Where do I find the terms and conditions of the rebate project?

Click here to read the terms and conditions.

 

Applicant Eligibility Questions

  1. Do I have to be income-qualified to qualify for the DRIVEEV Project?

The DRIVEEV standard individual rebate (up to $1,500) has no income requirement. Only the DRIVE+ rebate (up to $3,000 total) is limited to low-moderate income-qualified Rhode Islanders.

  1. Is there a limit to the number of rebates I can receive?

Yes. The DRIVEEV Project offers just one rebate per individual per 48-month period. Once you receive a rebate from the DRIVEEV Project, you must wait 48 months before applying with a new vehicle.

  1. Can multiple people in one household receive rebates?

Yes. The limit of one rebate per person does not extend to household members. Please note that each household member applying for the DRIVEEV rebate must be the primary owner/lessee and driver of the vehicle that they apply for.

  1. I am a military member currently residing in Rhode Island. Can I apply for a rebate?

Yes. Please reach out for further instructions regarding filing with an out-of-state license.

 

Vehicle Eligibility Questions

  1. What vehicles are eligible for the DRIVEEV rebate project?

There are three types of vehicles eligible for the project.

  • Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
    BEVs are fully electric, zero-emission vehicles powered solely by an electric battery. Most BEVs are capable of direct-current fast charging (DCFC) and Level-2 charging.
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
    Zero-emission vehicles that are run on compressed hydrogen fuel that produces electricity to power the vehicle.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – (Not Eligible for DRIVEEV FLEET project)
    PHEVs are hybrid electric vehicles that have zero-emission vehicle range capability and an onboard electrical energy storage device that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. In general, PHEVs are vehicles that can be driven using electricity, gasoline, or both.
  1. Are there any make or model limitations for DRIVEEV?

There are no vehicle make or model requirements, but there are vehicle price limits. New EVs must be at or below $60,000.00* (agreed upon value of the vehicle) and used EVs must be at or below $40,000.00* (agreed upon value of the vehicle). Please see our Program Guidance Document for details.

  1. Is the agreed upon value of the vehicle the sales price of the vehicle or the price I paid for it?

Whether or not a vehicle price exceeds the vehicle price cap is determined using the final agreed upon value of the vehicle as listed on your final sales or purchase agreement, not including any capitalized cost reductions.

This means that your vehicle price will not be considered lower due to items such as trade-in allowances, credits, cash deposits, etc. Your vehicle price also will not be considered higher due to taxes, registration fees, delivery fees, etc.

Please visit our Program Guidance document for more details on what is considered a capitalized cost reduction.

  1. What vehicles are not eligible for the rebate project?

Vehicles that are not eligible for the rebate project include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that do not plug in;
  • Aftermarket plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicle conversions;
  • Electric scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), electric bicycles, and electric busses;
  • Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) or Low-Speed Vehicles (LSPs) ; and
  • Zero-Emission Motorcycles (ZEMs).
  1. Are leased vehicles eligible for the project?

Yes. Leased vehicles are required to have lease terms of at least 24 months to be eligible for the project.

  1. What can I do if I am not sure if the vehicle I am purchasing/leasing meets the requirements of the project?

Please contact the DRIVEEV project administrator at Energy.DriveEv@energy.ri.gov before purchasing or leasing the vehicle to find out if the vehicle may be eligible.

  1. Can I purchase or lease a vehicle from an out of state dealership?

Exceptions for vehicles purchased (or leased) out of state are granted on a case-by-case basis. For an exception to be granted, there must be a reason barring the applicant from purchasing a vehicle within Rhode Island (such as the vehicle model being out of stock in Rhode Island). Please contact us directly at  Energy.DriveEv@energy.ri.gov before proceeding with your out-of-state purchase or lease. The Office of Energy Resources (OER) cannot guarantee that rebates will be approved for vehicles purchased or leased from out-of-state dealerships.

 

Questions About the Application Process

  1. Where can I apply for the DRIVEEV rebate project or the DRIVEEV FLEET project?

Applications for individual DRIVEEV rebates and the DRIVEEV FLEET project are available at www.drive.ri.gov. 

  1. How do I apply for the enhanced rebate through DRIVE+?

You can apply for the additional rebate amount online at www.drive.ri.gov under the DRIVEEV project. As you fill out the application, you will be asked about your DRIVE+ eligibility status and prompted to submit the required documentation to show that you meet the requirements to receive the additional rebate amount.

  1. How does the DRIVEEV application process work?

After purchasing/leasing and taking possession of an eligible vehicle, please visit www.drive.ri.gov to apply and upload supporting documentation. You must apply and upload supporting documents within 120 days of your vehicle purchase or lease. The DRIVEEV project administrator will contact you via email with status updates or requests for additional information.

  1. Can I mail in my application and supporting documents?

We recommend submitting your application and documentation through the secure online portal. However, if you are unable to access the online portal, please contact the project administrator at (401) 871-7837 or Energy.DriveEv@energy.ri.gov for a printable copy of the application and further instructions.

  1. Can I reserve rebate funds?

No. Rebates are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and awards are not guaranteed. Once an application has been submitted and received, the applicant is placed on an award queue while the application is processed. We do our best to provide warning before funds have been exhausted, but we cannot guarantee a rebate award.

  1. How can I apply if I don't have computer access?

We can assist you through the application process if you don't have access to a computer. Please call us at (401) 871-7837 to begin the process.

  1. How will I know if my application has been approved for a rebate?

A notification email will be sent when the application is approved.

  1. What are the applicant requirements?

Eligible applicants must meet requirements that include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Be a Rhode Island resident (for DRIVEEV) or a RI small business, non-profit, or public sector entity located and licensed to do business in Rhode Island (for DRIVE FLEET).
  • Purchase/lease of electric vehicle must be at or below $60,000.00 for a new EV, or at or below $40,000.00 for a used EV.
  • Vehicle must be purchased or leased at a licensed Rhode Island Automobile Dealer (no person-to-person sales allowed), or from a dealership on the State’s list of qualified Out-Of-State (OOS) dealerships (Exceptions may apply).
  • Be a purchaser or lessee of an eligible vehicle and submit an online application within 120 days of the vehicle purchase or lease date and prior to exhaustion of available rebate funds.
  • Purchase or lease an eligible vehicle and take possession of it before applying for a rebate.
  • Lease terms of at least 24 months are required for project eligibility.
  • Register the new vehicle with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • One application per individual (per 48-month period).

Please see our Program Guidance document for more details.
 

  1. How do I qualify for the additional DRIVE+ rebate?

There are two ways to qualify for the DRIVE+ rebate:
Option 1: You must participate in a state or federal income- qualified program (please refer to the guidance document for list of eligible State and Federal programs).

Option 2: You must meet the income requirements based on your household size (Please refer to the guidance document to view the 2025 Low-Income Guidelines table)

  1. Can I purchase the vehicle out of state?

Exceptions for vehicles purchased (or leased) out of state are granted on a case-by-case basis. For an exception to be granted, there must be a reason barring the applicant from purchasing a vehicle within Rhode Island (such as the vehicle model being out of stock in Rhode Island). Please contact us directly at energy.driveev@energy.ri.gov before proceeding with your out-of-state purchase or lease. The Office of Energy Resources (OER) cannot guarantee that rebates will be approved for vehicles purchased or leased from out-of-state dealerships.

  1. Is there a deadline to apply?

Applicants must apply within 120 days of eligible vehicle lease or purchase to be rebate eligible.

  1. Are there any federal tax incentives for electric vehicles?

Notice: the federal tax credit for Zero Emission Vehicles is set to expire on September 30th, 2025. If you purchased a new all-electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell EV between January 1, 2023, and September 30, 2025, you may be eligible for up to $7,500 in tax credits. To learn more, visit: https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax2023.shtml

Federal tax credits for BEVs and PHEVs range from between $2,500 to $7,500, with factors such as battery capacity determining how much owners are eligible to receive. To meet the tax incentive's standards, a BEV or PHEV must have a battery with a minimum capacity of 4 kilowatt-hours. Vehicles with a battery capacity of 5 kWh or greater are eligible for an additional $417 of tax credit added for every kilowatt-hour in excess of 4 kWh. Vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF, with a 24-kWh capacity battery, will be eligible for the maximum $7,500 credit. Federal tax credit amounts for each qualified vehicle can be found on the Department of Energy's Fuel Economy website. 


For further information on federal tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles and electric-drive vehicles, visit www.fueleconomy.gov. Additionally, local jurisdictions may also have incentive programs. Check with your local jurisdiction to find out what they offer.

  1. I purchased/leased a vehicle together with someone else in my household. Should we both submit applications?

No. A single application should be submitted by the primary owner and purchaser/lessee of the vehicle. All supporting documentation must list the same primary owner to qualify.

  1. What municipalities have the highest asthma rates due to traffic exposure, and will my entity qualify for the additional DRIVEEV FLEET $500.00 rebate?

The municipalities with the highest asthma rates due to traffic exposure are listed below. If your qualified FLEET entity is located within these municipalities, your entity qualifies for the additional $500.00 rebate.

  • Central Falls
  • Cranston
  • East Providence
  • Pawtucket
  • Providence
  1. I’m an individual residing in one of the high-asthma municipalities listed above. Does my DRIVEEV or DRIVE+ application qualify for an additional $500.00?

No. The additional $500.00 rebate for those located in high-asthma municipalities is offered only to entities applying for the DRIVE FLEET program, it is not offered to individual DRIVEEV applicants.