REBATE PROCESS

Rebates are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and issued to qualified recipients in a single payment within 4-6 weeks of application approval. Delays beyond normal processing times may occur.

To apply for a rebate:

1. After taking possession of the electric vehicle, submit an online application and your supporting documents. The Project Administrator will reserve funds for your rebate.
2. Submit application and required supporting documentation within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the date of purchase or lease. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the project administrator at 401-574-9100.

Required supporting documentation includes the following:

1. A copy of the Rhode Island registration certificate for the vehicle;
2. A copy of the final sales or lease agreement with an itemization of credits, discounts and incentives received, if applicable;
3. Proof of residency: If applying as an individual, a copy of the applicant’s Rhode Island driver’s license. If applying as an organization, such as a small-business, non-profit, or public sector entity, a copy of a local business license, articles of incorporation, articles of organization, statement of information, or other formation document filed with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
4. A completed and signed W-9 form. 

The DRIVE EV project administrator will communicate regarding your application via email. It is your responsibility to check all DRIVE EV related emails for status updates and requests for additional required information. If you do not submit your application and required supporting documentation within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the date of purchase or lease, the Administrator will release the reserved rebate funds back to the project and you will no longer be eligible for the rebate. If an application cancels because additional required information was not received by the administrator, you may reapply only if you are still  within the one hundred and twenty (120) days of the purchase or lease date.  

APPLICANT AND VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

As a condition for receiving the DRIVE EV rebate, you (the applicant/purchaser/lessee) must comply with the requirements below. You are responsible for reviewing the DRIVE EV project requirements prior to applying for a rebate. Eligible applicants must meet requirements that include the following:

1. Be a resident of Rhode Island or a Rhode Island small-business, non-profit, public-sector entity, located and licensed to operate in Rhode Island. Proof of Rhode Island residency will be required to complete a DRIVE EV application.
2. Be a purchaser or lessee of a new or used, eligible Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Fuel Cell Electric

Vehicle (FCEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) purchased or leased at a licensed RI Automobile Dealership or at a qualified Out-Of-State dealership*, with a final purchase price at or below the have an agreed upon value of the vehicle of $60,000.00^† for new vehicles, and $40,000.00^‡ for used vehicles. In addition, the full 7% sales tax associated with the purchase of the vehicle must be remitted to Rhode Island, including out of state purchases.

*For the list of qualified Out-Of-State dealerships, please refer to page 9 of the DRIVE

EV guidance document. Vehicles must be purchased or leased on or after August 1,

2023, to qualify. This modification is not retroactive to purchases made before August 1, 2023

• $60,000.00 price cap does not include taxes, registration fees, delivery fees, and any capitalized cost reductions including incentives, rebates, negotiations, trade-in allowance, cash deposits, and any other similar reductions that could be considered a capitalized cost reduction.

• $40,000.00 price cap does not include taxes, registration fees, delivery fees, and any capitalized cost reductions including incentives, rebates, negotiations, trade-in allowance, cash deposits, and any other similar reductions that could be considered a capitalized cost reduction.

Submit a DRIVE EV application: within 120 days of the vehicle purchase or lease date; after taking possession of the vehicle, and; prior to exhaustion of available rebate funds. Vehicle purchase or lease date must be on or after July 7, 2022.

1. DRIVE EV FLEET applicants (i.e., small-business, non-profit, public-sector entity) are limited to a maximum of 5 rebates per application (per 24-month period).
2. DRIVE EV and DRIVE+ applicants are limited to one application per individual (per 48-month period).
3. Not make or allow any modifications to the vehicle’s emissions control systems, hardware, software calibrations, or hybrid system.
4. Lease terms of at least 24 months are required for project eligibility.
5. Register the new or used vehicle with the Rhode Island DMV.

By checking the terms and conditions box, you (the applicant) agree to the following:

• I understand that OER and RIIB reserve all rights and remedies available under the law to enforce the terms of this agreement.
• I understand that any false statement made in the submitted information may be punishable as under Rhode Island Law, and in accordance with any applicable statute.
• I understand that OER and RIIB reserve the right to modify these terms and conditions and/or terminate the DRIVE Rebate Project at its sole discretion.
• I understand that the submittal of a rebate application form does not guarantee award.